Tusker, AFC Leopards shoot blanks at Nyayo
The Tusker Premier League title destiny took another twist on Friday after the top two teams,AFC Leopards and Tusker FC, played to a barren draw in an entertaining match played at a floodlit Nyayo Stadium.
The result means the top two positions remain unchanged for now but third placed Gor Mahia would be the most happy side with the result as they could cement the second position and reduce the deficit against AFC Leopards to just two points with over Sony on Sunday.Fourth placed Sofapaka and Tusker have a match at hand against each other whose results will be critical in shaping the top five positions.
Both teams created several chances in the first period. First it was Tusker’s Joshua Oyoo who beat defender Nahimana but his cross went out for a goal kick. AFC Keeper Patrick Matasi's quick reaction saved ensured Emeka's goal bound header was kept at bay.
AFC then went forward. Mike Baraza dribbled well to beat defender Okoti but couldn’t beat keeper Boniface Oluoch on the near post.
Tusker then won a free kick at the edge of the box after Wendo was brought down by Wafula. Atudo’s shot evaded the wall but couldn’t hit the target.
In the 29th minute Patrick Kagogo made inroads into the AFC box but was to slow to inflict any damage thus allowing the defenders to clear.
AFC then had two chances through Mike Baraza and Eric Masika whose long range shots never bothered Boniface Oluoch at Tusker’s goal.
Five minutes to the break, Tusker won a free kick that Joshua Oyoo executed well but the ball was headed out for a goal kick. Tusker had the best chance in the closing minutes of the first half but Joseph Emeka ‘s effort went wide. Patrick Kagogo had worked hard to supply the cross.
After the break, AFC had the first clear chance. Mike Baraza did well to beat his marker then sent a cross to Allan Wanga who turned well but his shot went off target.
Edwin Wafula’s blunder at AFC defense nearly yielder Tusker their fast goal but the hawk-eyed Matasi managed to block Joshua Oyoo’s shot. Nigerian Joseph Emeka then curved a nice cross that Matasi spilt but Peter Opiyo header rolled past the posts.
Paul Were entry for Floribert Ndayisaba injected some pace to AFC game .The former Tusker man troubled his former teammates and won numerous free kicks that all went to waste.
Tusker had another Patrick Kagogo’s shot in the 71st minute from a peter Opiyo cross. Eight minutes to the end Kagogo had his free kick shot blocked for a throw that Jockins Atudo wasted.
Jockins’ Atudo’s late professional foul on Paul Were ensured he could not shoot but the resultant free kick also missed the target to endure both teams just collected one point each after 90 minutes of sweat.
AFC defender Eric Masika was named the DSTV man of the match after the game.