Champions Tusker beat Chemelil Sugar 2-0 at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday to leapfrog AFC Leopards and climb to the top of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings.
Goals by Obadiah Ndege and substitute Joseph Emeka were enough to give the brewers all three points. They are now on 28, one ahead of AFC Leopards and two ahead of Sofapaka.
Set pieces have been their biggest strength this season and they came handy again on 17 minutes when skipper Joseph Shikokoti flicked on Jockins Atudo’s long throw setting up Ndege to powerfully head home at the far post on 17 minutes.
Winger Paul Were has been in goods form and he went close on 24 minutes when he twisted and turned before firing a shot straight at Chemelil keeper John Wawu.
They almost made it 2-0 eight minutes before halftime off another throw in by Atudo but Brian Mandela’s header was just about kept out by a deflection.
Chemelil were better after the break with Daniel Mutahi’s shot deflected over on 59 minutes.
Tusker coach Sammy Omollo was sent to the dissent by referee Hajj Adede for dissent on 63 minutes.
The home side continued to create chances with man of the match Peter Opiyo forcing Wawu to a save on 66 minutes.
On as a substitute, Emeka then had a header saved six minutes from time as they sought to wrap up the victory.
The brewers sealed the win four minutes from time when Emeka raced onto a long ball from his own half, outmuscled Charles Odero before chipping Wawu.
”We are so happy that we are back on top of the league because that is where we like to be and put pressure on the other teams. I am happy for Emeka because he has been working hard in training and today he was rewarded,” said Tusker Coach Sammy Omollo.
“We did not play well today and were unable to deal with Tusker who dominated the midfield especially. I was not too worried with the losses before but today’s was the worst,” said Chemelil coach Edward Manoah.