Tusker rally to slay Kariobangi Sharks
What you need to know:
Kevin Tom Machika had given Sharks the lead heading into the breather
The brewers were clearly the best side after the break with George Odhiambo grabbing the equaliser in the 69th minute before Namanda finished the job with a brace in the 79th and 87th minutes
Luke Namanda’s second half brace helped Tusker edge Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in an entertaining Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Kasarani on Friday afternoon.
Kevintom Machika had given Sharks the lead heading into the breather but the brewers were clearly the best side after the break with George Odhiambo grabbing the equaliser in the 69th minute before Namanda finished the job with a brace in the 79th and 87th minutes.
Tusker coach Robert Matano lauded his players for the good second half show.
“We were not sharp in the first half so I had to make some tactical changes after the break and I am happy it worked out for us. Football is a game of key moments and we utilized ours. The players played according to instructions in the second half and that’s why we won,” said Matano.
Sharks coach William Muluya cut a desolate figure after the match and admitted the bad results were taking a toll on them.
“We lacked character and conceded three goals in 20 minutes which is unacceptable. At such moments when a team is not doing well everyone within the set-up gets anxious and gets caught up in the moment. I think one good result will lift the spirits of everyone in the team and get us out of the bad spell,” said Muluya.
With their lead striker Erick Kapaito out with a calf injury, the goal-getting duties have been handed to Machika and Muluya admits it’s too heavy a burden for the youngster.
“I think he has too much weight to carry and he doesn’t get the necessary support from the midfielders when we have the ball upfront. I will also have to look for a good striker when the window opens," he added.
Sharks had taken the lead just before the break, Machika pouncing on a rebound after James Mazembe’s shot had been blocked. Tusker brought in Marlon Tangauzi for the injured Vincent Ngesa three minutes after the breather, Sidney Ochieng was rested for George Odhiambo in the 56th minute while youngster Eric Zakayo came in for captain Michael Madoya at the hour mark.
Sharks also brought in Sven Yidah for Patilah Omoto while John Mazembe was rested for Harrison Mwendwa.
The changes seemed to have worked in Tusker’s favour as they now looked a much rejuvenated side with former Gor Mahia star Odhiambo a constant threat with his dangerous runs and pinpoint crosses from the right.
He equalised in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a goalmouth melee to thump in past Sharks custodian Brian Bwire.
Bwire denied Odhiambo four minutes later, going full stretch to his right to parry a close range volley. David Majak's header was partially cleared in the 79th minute and Harambee Stars trialist Luke Namanda reacted first to put Tusker ahead.
Tusker academy graduate Zakayo then left Geoffrey Shiveka and Erick Juma for dead before playing a beautiful pass into path of the onrushing Namanda who calmly tapped home to put the result beyond doubt.
After the win, Tusker remain second on the log with 24 points from 12 matches while Sharks, who last won a match in October, are 16th with 8 points having played 12 matches.
