Kakamega Homeboyz 0-1 Tusker: Stephen Owusu strikes as brewers reclaim top spot
Tusker's Ghanaian striker Stephen Owusu (right) goes down under a challenge from Gor Mahia's Harun Shakava during their SportPesa Premier League match on April 16, 2016 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- After a goalless first half, Tusker tactician Nkata brought in Timonna Wanyonyi and Stephen Owusu to replace winger Noah Wafula and Khamati to reinforce the flanks.
- His opposite number Mike Mururi rested speedy forward Moses Mudavadi for Andrew Murunga in the 75th minute to intensify the hunt for goals.
Following the victory, the brewers have now amassed 24 points from 12 matches while the Homeboyz remained in ninth with 16 points.
Tusker reclaimed the top spot in the Kenyan Premier League standings after their scrappy 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Sports Complex on Friday.
Ghanaian striker Stephen Owusu came off the bench to score the solitary goal of the match in the 80th minute from the penalty spot to ensure the brewers displace Mathare United, who play Western Stima on Sunday, from the summit of the log.
“We would have won the encounter by a bigger margin but the strikers could not convert the many scoring chances into goals,” Tusker coach Paul Nkata told reporters in his post-match interview.
Owusu slotted in from the spot with 10 minutes to the final whistle after Homeboyz goalkeeper Michael Wanyika fouled Tusker’s Humphrey Mieno inside the box.
The match started on a high note with both sides making frantic attempts to snatch the opener in the fast paced encounter.
The hosts put up a splendid show and could have taken an early lead in the eighth minute when Jeremiah Wanjala was brought down on the edge of the box by Eugene Asike.
The resultant free-kick taken by Robert Ouma was however no trouble for Tusker goalkeeper David Okello.
Undeterred, the brewers put up a brave fight with Mieno, Anthony Ndolo and Jackson Macharia attempts going wide off the mark.
Striker Michael Khamati thought he had given Tusker the lead after scoring from a Mahcaria cross, only for his celebrations to be cut short after the first assistant flagged for a hand ball in the 18th minute.
PHYSICAL CONTEST
The closely contested affair fast degenerated into a physical contest with centre referee Hosea Omondi booking Homeboyz’ Robert Ouma, Macharia and James Situma for poor tackles.
After a goalless first half, Tusker tactician Nkata brought in Timonna Wanyonyi and Stephen Owusu to replace winger Noah Wafula and Khamati to reinforce the flanks.
His opposite number Mike Mururi rested speedy forward Moses Mudavadi for Andrew Murunga in the 75th minute to intensify the hunt for goals.
Following the victory, the brewers have now amassed 24 points from 12 matches while the Homeboyz remained in ninth with 16 points.
