Muchiri returns to steer Tusker, Posta down Ulinzi

Kenyan international winger Boniface Muchiri made a return to the Tusker line-up in style, scoring the all-important goal as the 11-time champions edged out Zoo Kericho 1-0 on Sunday in the SportPesa Premier League at Ruaraka grounds.

After a goalless first half, Muchiri, who was suspended as the brewers lost 1-0 to Bandari last Sunday, smashed home a fierce low drive that slipped through Zoo goalkeeper Martin Elung’at’s hands into the far corner on 65 minutes.

“Muchiri is an extraordinary player, very ambitious, always ready to fight and with an eye for goal,” Tusker coach Robert Matano said of the former Sony Sugar man in his post-match interview.

Victory for the brewers, their second in four meetings against Zoo, took their points tally to 39, seven ahead of the Kericho-based outfit after 27 rounds.

Earlier in the day at Camp Toyoyo grounds, Enock Agwanda struck a goal in either half as high-riding Sony Sugar made it five wins in as many games with a comfortable 2-0 outcome over spluttering Kariobangi Sharks.

The loss extended Sharks’ losing streak to five matches, forcing a section of the club's faithful to confront coach William Muluya with chants of “Muluya must go” renting the air after the game.

The fans later vented their frustrations on club patron and FKF president Nick Mwendwa, who was at the venue.

“It's tough for us and the fans have their right to express concerns because they come to the stadium to be entertained,” a dejected Muluya said.

Elsewhere at Bukhungu Stadium, Kenya Communications Sports Organisations (Kecoso) Games champions Posta Rangers gunned down visiting Ulinzi Stars 1-0 courtesy of Calvin Odongo’s goal in the 32nd minute.

Odongo, scorer in Posta’s 2-1 loss to Gor Mahia nine days ago in Kisumu, brilliantly penetrated Ulinzi's backline before slotting past a hapless James Saruni in Ulinzi's goal.

Back at Ruaraka, Muchiri’s 29th minute free-kick was tipped over the bar by an alert Martin Elung’at for a fruitless corner as Tusker went on the offensive in search of an early lead.

Muchiri then drove down the left flank, rounded Elung’at and with an empty net to beat, saw his effort blocked by defender Sabiri Sindani.

Matano introduced former City Stars wingback John Kamau for Brian Osumba, while Sydney Otieno replaced David Juma after the break.

It was Timothy Otieno who chested down for Muchiri to control the ball before unleashing a left footed shot into the bottom left corner of Elung’at’s goal.

Timothy Otieno then had two successive chances to kill off the match, but failed to tuck the ball away twice with Elung'at only to beat.

“We played well but lost concentration ending up conceding, we go back to regroup and prepare for the next match,” said Zoo coach Sammy Okoth.

Zoo's next match will be at home to Mathare United.

Wazito host Chemelil Sugar at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos in a league match on Monday.

RESULTS

Sunday

Kariobangi Sharks 0-2 Sony Sugar

Posta Rangers 1-0 Ulinzi Stars

Tusker 1-0 Zoo Kericho

Vihiga United 1-1 Kakamega Homeboyz

MONDAY FIXTURE

Wazito v Chemelil Sugar (Kenyatta Stadium, 11am)