Tusker 1-1 Ulinzi Stars: Last-gasp Abdul Hassan spares Nsimbe the blushes
Tusker midfielder Abdul Hassan (left) celebrates after scoring a late equaliser with teammates Humphrey Mieno (centre) and Shafik Batambuze during their SportPesa Premier League match against Ulinzi Stars ata Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on April 15, 2017. The teams drew 1-1. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |
What you need to know:
- Second half substitute Stephen Waruru gave the soldiers the lead with barely his first touch on 78 minutes before the Tanzanian ace struck deep into injury time to deny Benjamin Nyangweso's side maximum points.
Tanzanian teenager Abdul Hassan struck at the death as champions Tusker rallied from behind to draw 1-1 with Ulinzi Stars in a thrilling SportPesa Premier League match at Afraha Stadium on Saturday.
Second half substitute Stephen Waruru gave the soldiers the lead with barely his first touch on 78 minutes before the Tanzanian ace struck deep into injury time to deny Benjamin Nyangweso's side maximum points.
The result, which was Tusker's second on the trot, temporarily moved Ulinzi into second on the log.
Tusker should have grabbed the lead in the 21st minute when Kenyan international striker Allan Wanga raced with ball into the Ulinzi box but his shot sailed over the bar with James Saruni only to beat.
But it was the soldiers who had the best opportunity a minute later when Enosh Ochieng cut through the Tusker defence but his powerful drive was brilliantly saved by Tusker custodian Duncan Ochieng.
Tusker coach George Nsimbe, under pressure after a poor start to the season by the champions, was forced to replace injured defender Llyod Wahome in the 33rd minute with Martin Kizza.
Tusker continued with their tale of missed chances and five minutes before the breather, Michael Khamati failed to beat Saruni in the Ulinzi goal.
DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION
On resumption Nsimbe introduced Clifford Alwanga and Hassan Abdul for Jackson Macharia and Moses Ndawula but it was the soldiers who drew first blood.
Waruru, barely on the pitch for a minute after replacing the misfiring Enosh Ochieng in the 77th minute, broke the deadlock with sweet volley that gave Ochieng no chance in Tusker’s goal.
With the soldiers seemingly headed for victory, Hassan - who was marking his debut for Tusker - struck in injury time to leave the Ulinzi bench stunned.
"It is disappointing because a defensive blunder in injury time granted Tusker an opportunity to level the scores," said Nyangweso, who led the soldiers to the 2010 league title.
Under-fire Tusker tactician Nsimbe was relieved to escape with a point.
"Ulinzi are a tough side and I am happy we snatched an equaliser in the dying moments of the game," said the Ugandan.
