Tusker edge Wazito to go top

A late Eric Ambunya goal helped Tusker edge a stubborn Wazito by a solitary goal in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday evening.

Former Gor Mahia forward George "Blackberry" Odhiambo once again proved to be the super substitute as his wonderful assist in the 73rd minute found the overlapping Ambunya on the right flank, who picked the ball and rushed inside the box, before unleashing a hard shot past Tusker custodian Robert Mboya.

With the win, Tusker moves to first on the log with 27 points from 13 matches.

Wazito started strongly with Elvis Rupia and Pistone Mutamba stretching the Tusker defence early on.

Ali Abondo tested Robert Mboya with a long range shot in the 12th minute which the custodian handled well. Rupia’s powerful header minutes later off a Paul Acquah cross from the right flank hit the bar as the money bags continued to trouble the brewers.

Tusker’s first real chance fell on Luke Namanda in the 23rd minute after he collected a lose ball on the edge of the box but hurriedly shot wide. Rupia once again missed a clear opportunity, shooting wide with only Mboya to beat at the half hour’s mark.

After the break Matano brought in George Ogutu for Sidney Ochieng and Mike Madoyo was rested for Erick Zakayo. The first half belonged to Wazito but these changes made an immediate impact for Tusker as they now seemed better going forward.

David Majak collected a long pass from Humphrey Mieno in the 69th minute and outpaced Eugene Asike only to shoot wide in the 62nd minute.

Rupia again fluffed an opportunity to put Wazito ahead in the 69th minute as he placed his shot inches wide after a quick counter attack initiated by the enterprising Ghanaian Paul Acquah.

Tusker made a chance out of nothing courtesy of quick thinking and the creativity of former Gor Mahia forward George Odhiambo who, with just one touch from a long ball from Rogers Aloro, released him with a back heel pass into the box and the defender unleashed a thunderous left footed shot past Mboya to win the game for the brewers in the 71st minute.