- Mathare United came from behind to beat Tusker FC 2-1 on April 27, ending Tusker’s bid to top the FKF Premier League.
- Musa Masika scored both goals for Mathare, while Dagratious Ojok scored the sole goal for Tusker.
- Ulinzi Stars, on the other hand, showered FC Talanta with a 4-0 defeat at the Ulinzi Complex.
Musa Masika came off the bench to score twice and inspire Mathare United to a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Tusker FC on Sunday afternoon at the Dandora Stadium.
Dagratious Ojok had given the 12-time champions an early lead in the first half, but John Kamau’s tactical brilliance, introducing Masika as a super-sub, turned the game on its head.
Masika struck twice once from open play and once from the penalty spot—to seal the turnaround, halting Tusker’s ambitions of going top of the FKF Premier League table.
The defeat means Tusker remain second on the log with 51 points, just one behind league leaders Kenya Police, who have 52.
Meanwhile, Mathare United returned to winning ways and maintained their position in 10th place with 35 points.
Tusker strike first
At Dandora, the hosts began with intensity, nearly opening the scoring in the first minute through John Nyawir, whose shot flew over the bar.
Minutes later, Elias Asieche squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity, denied by a superb save from Brian Opondo in the eighth minute.
The match remained goalless until the 35th minute when Ojok broke the deadlock with a composed finish.
He capitalized on a precise pass from George Kaddu, although his first effort was parried by Steve Njung’e, Ojok pounced on the rebound to find the net.
Both sides created opportunities, but it was the Brewers who made theirs count, heading into halftime with a slender lead. Asieche’s earlier miss loomed large as a pivotal moment for Mathare.
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John Kamau tactical changes pays off
In the second half, Coach Kamau made bold changes, bringing on Musa Masika and Paul Kinyanjui for Sammy Imbuye and Meshack Ochieno.
The switch paid immediate dividends just five minutes later, Brian Ouru whipped in a sensational cross from the left flank, which Masika met with a thunderous strike on his very first touch to level the score.
Tusker coach Charles Okere responded with triple substitutions, withdrawing Kaddu, Dennis Oguta, and Lawrence Luvanda for John Njuguna, Erick Balecho, and Ian Simiyu.
When that had little impact, he also subbed off goalscorer Ojok for Teddy Dok in an attempt to regain control.
Mathare nearly took the lead when Ouru unleashed a fierce strike from the wing, forcing Opondo into another smart save.
Moments later, Alex Onchwari fouled Asieche inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Masika stepped up confidently and converted the penalty, completing his brace and turning the match in Mathare’s favor scoring his fourth goal with the Slum Boys.
Despite a flurry of late substitutions from Tusker, Mathare held firm, ending Tusker’s 12-match unbeaten streak and denting their title hopes.
ALSO READ: FKFPL: Police FC reclaim top spot as SEAL sink deeper into relegation woes
Ulinzi Stars 4-0 FC Talanta
Elsewhere at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Ulinzi Stars continued their dominant run with a convincing 4-0 win.
Goals from Boniface Muchiri, Meshack Karani, Amatton Samunya, and Joseph Ochieng secured the emphatic victory on home turf.
Mathare vs Tusker line ups
Mathare United: Steve Njung’e (GK), Sammy Imbuye, John Nyawir, Cetric Asango, Ian Omondi, Daniel Mukok, Brian Ochieng, Mohammed Kilume, Brian Ouru, Elias Asieche (C), Meshack Ochieno.
Tusker FC: Brian Opondo, George Kaddu, Alex Onchwari, Mike Kibwage, Collins Odhiambo, Dennis Oguta, Dennis Iguma, Chrispine Erambo, Dennis Wanjala, Dagratious Ojok, Lawrence Luvanda.