Tusker FC edge Kariobangi Sharks to seal back-to-back wins under Mette

• Tusker FC edge Kariobangi Sharks 1-2 to secure back-to-back SportPesa League victories under Julien Mette.
• Francis Odour broke the deadlock before Humprey Aroko restored parity, while Ian Simiyu netted the decisive goal in the second half.
• The match was staged at Police Sacco Stadium on Monday, March 2.

Ian Simiyu came off the bench to rescue Tusker FC as they edged Kariobangi Sharks 1-2, securing back-to-back SportPesa League wins under their new coach, Julien Mette.

The Brewers were fresh from a 1-0 triumph over Murang’a SEAL last week and were eager to hand their new tactician another victory.

They certainly did not disappoint on Monday evening at the Police Sacco Grounds, clinching their 10^th win of the season and condemning Sharks to a ninth defeat, effectively stalling their resurgence.

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Tusker FC edge Kariobangi Sharks 1-2

After a tense opening quarter, it was Tusker who drew first blood. They capitalized on a corner in the 16^th minute when Collins Odhimabo whipped in a curling delivery from the left. Francis Odour slipped away from his marker and powered a header into the net to hand his side the advantage.

However, before they could fully soak in the celebrations, Sharks struck back less than two minutes later.

The hosts restored parity in the 18^th minute through in-form midfielder Humprey Aroko. Neatly set up by Keagan Ndemi just outside the box, Aroko unleashed a thunderous effort past Brandon Obiero for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Apart from those two chances that produced goals, the remainder of the first half was a tightly contested affair. Both sides remained solid in defence and competitive in midfield, heading into the break with the scores level.

The second half kicked off with the same intensity. The clearest chance came in the 52^nd minute when Aroko skillfully slid the ball down the left wing and whipped a cross into the box.

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It found Ally Salum, who attempted a sliding finish with his left foot, but Obiero was alert and managed to parry it away, keeping his side in the game.

Tusker eventually reclaimed the lead through a well-worked move initiated by Eugine Ikutwa, who outpaced his marker on the right flank and drilled a low cross into the box.

Ekhavi appeared to leave it for his custodian, Sebastian Wekesa, to gather, but the ball slipped through the keeper’s gloves and fell kindly to Ian Simiyu. The substitute made no mistake, punishing the defensive lapse by William Muluya’s charges.

Sharks threw everything at Tusker in search of an equalizer, desperate to salvage at least a home point.

But they could not find a way to break down the Tusker defence. Their unbeaten run came to a definitive end, while Mette celebrated another impressive victory.

Kariobangi Sharks vs Tusker FC – SportPesa League Round 23 Lineups

• Kariobangi Sharks: Sebastian Wekesa, Ian Karani, Ghai Panchol, Imala Ekhavi, Kevinluke Otiala, Faiz Opande, Izzadin Juma, Keagan Ndemi, Ally Salum, David Majak, Humprey Aroko.
• Tusker FC: Brandon Obiero, Eugune Ikutwa, Collins Odhimabo, Charles Momanyi, Francis Odour, Dennis Iguma, Yakeen Muteheli, Fabian Adikiny, Erick Kapaito, Ibrahim Joshua, Dennis Oalo.