A clinical first-half header from Ibrahim Joshua was all Tusker FC needed to overcome a resilient Murang’a Seal 1–0 at the Wang’uru Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The victory marks a significant turning point for the Brewers, handing new French head coach Julien Mette his first three points since taking charge while MSEAL have now lost in back to back matches.
Mette made three changes to the squad that lost against Shabana introducing Ibrahim Joshua, Ian Simiyu and Francis Odour in place of Tom Teka, Thomas Omolle and Dennis Oalo respectively while Seal made one change as head coach Osborne Monday replaced Michael Owen in midfield with Thadeus Pkemoi.
ALSO READ: Shabana edge Tusker to boost SportPesa League title hopes, hand Mette defeat on debut
The first quarter of the match was largely uneventful with both sides settling in. The hosts dominated the lion share of the position.
Joshua’s header hands coach Mette first win at Tusker
Tusker were the first to knock in the 23rd minute,Ian Simiyu drifted wide on the right before delivering a fleeting pass into the box that met the ready Kapaito,Kapaito however failed to steer the ball into the net.
Their efforts would pay dividends five minutes later, Stephen Etyang’ delivered a wonderful cross into the box that was met with a header by mid season signing Ibrahim Joshua.
Joshua guided the ball into the back of the net with a beautiful header to score his first goal since rejoining the brewers in the mid season window.
Minutes later the home side was dealt a huge blow, Etyang’ was forced out injured and his position taken by David Polepole.
Kapaito then has a glorious from close range but his header went just wide after Simiyu’s low pass with the score proceeding to halftime at 1-0.
The second half started off in earnest,Seal were determined to get the leveller. Thadeus Pkemoi unleashed a ferocious shot from distance that missed the post by a few inches.
Despite repeated attacks,the brewers hang on to secure the win in Kirinyaga. The win moves the Brewers up to 31 points, narrowing the gap on the top five to just two points.
A second consecutive defeat for the Murang’a SEAL sees them remain on 33 points, losing ground in the race for the title.
Tusker FC vs Murang’a SEAL SportPesa League lineups
- Tusker: Brandon Obiero, Eugene Ikutwa, Collins Odhiambo, Francis Odour,Charles Momanyi,Crispine Erambo,Fabian Adikiny, Ibrahim Joshua,Ian Simiyu Stephen Etyang’,Eric Kapaito.
- Murang’a SEAL: Erick NgugiPaul Ngugi,Dennis Munyovi,Price Musebe,Michael Aloo,Telvin Maina, Thadeus Pkemoi,Joe Irungu,Paul Osama, Victor Haki