Henry Meja was the hero as he bagged a brace for Tusker in their 4-2 win over Kariobangi Sharks in a Betking Premier League match staged at MISC Kasarani on Saturday afternoon.
The win saw Tusker leapfrog Sharks to the second position on the BPL table. It also marked the end of Sharks’ unbeaten run in the league this season.
Eugene Asike opened the scoring for Tusker before Henry Meja added a second from the penalty spot. Erick Kapaito then halved the deficit for Sharks before Brian Marita got the third for the Brewers. Meja then got his second and Tusker’s fourth in the second half. Kapaito then scored his 111th of the season ten minutes from time.
Courtesy of Tusker FC
Sharks seemed strong in the opening minutes of the game as they looked to get an early goal. Daniel Sakari squared the ball to Peter Lwasa but the Ugandan failed to hit the target from close range.
Tusker were forced to make an early change when goalkeeper Robert Mboya went down with an injury, Michael Wanjala took his place.
Tusker got the opening goal in the 25th minute through Eugene Asike. The defender rose high to head home a Brian Marita delivery from a set-piece.
Five minutes later they got a second through Henry Meja who scored from the penalty spot. Kevin Monyi was brought down inside the penalty area by Samuel Olwande and Meja stepped forward to score his third of the season.
Erick Kapaito halved the deficit in the 33rd minute after latching onto a James Mazembe pass. Tusker restored their two-goal lead through Brian Marita five minutes before the break. The winger fired home from close range.
The second half was equally eventful, Sharks were awarded a penalty in the 48thth minute, Erick Kapaito stepped forward to take but he was denied by Wanjala, the referee ordered for a retake but it was once again saved.
Courtesy of Tusker FC
Five minutes later Tusker were reduced to ten men when Rodgers Aloro was given his marching orders for a bad challenge on Daglas Mokaya.
Despite being a man down, the Brewers were not overwhelmed. Ten minutes before time, Erick Kapaito got another back for Sharks but it was a little too late as Tusker held on to pick maximum points.
Tusker FC starting XI: Robert Mboya (14’ Michael Wanjala), Kevin Monyi, Hillary Wandera, Rodgers Aloro, Eugene Asike, Hashim Sempala, Luke Namanda, Apollo Otieno (60’ Christopher Oruchum), Kevin Okoth, (81′ Chrispinus Onyango), Brian Marita (81′ Boniface Muchiri), Henry Meja (81′ David Majak)
Unused subs: Erick Ambunya, Humphrey Mieno, Jackson Macharia, Zakayo Eric
Sharks starting XI: Brian Bwire (GK), Geoffery Shiveka, John Kuol (63’ Thomas Teka), Boniface Onyango, Samuel Olwande (63’ Shaphan Oyugi), Daniel Sakari, James Mazembe, Daglas Mokaya (63’ Ronald Odede), Peter Oudu (46’ Eric Juma), Erick Kapaito, Peter Lwasa
Unused subs: Brandon Nathan, Vincent Likare, Boniface Mwangemi, Alphonse Omija, Joshua Onyango
Tusker FC vs Kariobangi Sharks match officials
Match Commissioner: Haji Adede
Center Referee: George Mwai
Assistant Referee 1: George Mwangi
Assistant Referee 2: Adan Tadicha
Reserve Referee: Isaac Memusi
