Tusker hold Gor: Mathare United stun KRA at Nyayo as Bandari secure 1-1 draw with Sony in Awendo

Tusker denied Gor Mahia a chance to go top of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings after holding them to a 1-1 tie at Kasarani on Sunday.

The result means Gor Mahia will stay in the second position with 42 points while Tusker moved to third with 41 points.

A moment of brilliance by Tusker coach Francis Kimanzi changed the game for his side. Kimanzi’s substitutions late in the second half ensured he got a goal and with a little luck could have easily won it in injury time.

He rested Robert Omunuk for Clifford Alwanga and pulled out Athman Buki for Andrew Tololwa to remain with a three-man backline as he opted to go all-out for the equaliser. His move was valid as Tusker had no reason to defend after Dan Sserunkuma had put Gor Mahia ahead with a 59th minute penalty.

The combination of Anthony Kimani, Andrew Tololwa and Clifford Alwanga was brilliant in helping to collapse the solid Gor Mahia back-line.

equalising goal

In the 84th minute Kimani, a former KPL player of the year, released a long ball to pick out Alwanga, who headed towards Jerim Onyango in goal. The Gor Mahia keeper failed to hold and secure the ball, allowing it to spill and Andrew Tololwa was available to score from a rebound.

Tololwa was denied in full time by the wood work as his well-executed shot had beaten Onyango.

It was Ismail Dunga who should have put Tusker ahead but was denied by Jerim Onyango for a fruitless corner in the fourth minute in a match that was dominated by the brewers in the early moments.

Gor Mahia got their first chance of the match in the ninth minute. Left-back Godfrey Walusimbi picked out Timothy Otieno with a beautiful effort. The young striker left Jockins Atudo flat footed but his final shot was ably stopped by Samuel Odhiambo in the Tusker goal for a fruitless corner.

Sserunkuma threat

The Tusker back-line did well to deny Sserunkuma an opportunity to attack them directly but the Ugandan still found space, between the defenders, to try and get a goal from the flanks.

His sudden burst of speed put Tusker under a lot of pressure. Gor Mahia coach made the first substitution resting an injured Eric Ochieng for Dan Onyango. Both teams displayed a highly physical game leaving centre referee Sylvester Kirwa with no option but to caution a number of players.

First on Kirwa’s book was Tusker defender Lloyd Wahome before Aboud Omar followed next. On the Gor Mahia side, Godfrey Walusimbi, Collins Okoth and David Owino were all booked.

Elsewhere, Robinson Kaburia scored a double to help Mathare United beat KRA 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium. This was the fourth loss in a row for KRA who were promoted to the KPL this season.

In Awendo, Bandari picked vital point after holding Sony Sugar 1-1.