For the first time in six years, Tusker FC recorded a win in their opening league match of the season after overcoming Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Saturday afternoon.Last season’s league runners up hosted the champions in a match that both teams were determined to win. In the end, goals from Lawrence Luvanda and Jackson Macharia won the Brewers the game. Christopher Masinza got the consolation strike for the hosts.FULL TIME IN BUKHUNGU!Kakamega Homeboyz 1-2 Tusker FC.Big W on the road! pic.twitter.com/5VxHSb62dY— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) November 19, 2022 The first opportunity of the duel went Kakamega Homeboyz’s way in the tenth minute. The right-back found space just outside the area and unleashed a shot that narrowly missed Patrick Matasi’s goal area. Ten minutes later, Tusker had there’s but Luvanda hit the wrong side of the upright.The Brewers were awarded a spot kick in the 27th minute when Eric Zakayo’s delivery from a corner kick was handled by an Homeboyz defender. Luvanda stepped forward to take and beat Godfrey Oputi from the spot for a Tusker lead.Moments later, the Brewers’ lead striker Ibrahim Joshua went off with what looked like a hamstring problem, he was replaced by Ugandan, Deogratius Ojok.Zakayo created two more opportunities before the interval but Saphan Oyugi and Ojok failed to make them count as the defending champions took a narrow lead to the interval.Tusker started the second half positvely in search of more goals. They nearly went ahead in the 50th minute but an off-the-line clearance denied Ojok.With the intensity dropping, coach Robert Matano introduced Jackson Macharia and Clyde Senaji for Apollo Otieno and Oyugi in the 66th minute. Three minutes later, Macharia found the back of the net after completing a brilliant counter attack.##NAJAVA_MECA_6824777##Homeboyz pulled a goal back in the 78th minute when an unmarked Masinza headed past Matasi to ensure a nervy ending to the game. The Brewers’ experience however prevailed as they kept Homeboyz at bay to collect maximum points from the duel.Kakamega Homeboyz Starting XI: Godfrey Oputi, Erick Ambunya, Robinson Kamura, Brian Eshihanda, Collins Odhiambo, Meshack Muyonga, Estone Esiye, Ali Bhai, Simon Abuka, Christopher Masinza, Yema MwanaSubs: Ibrahim Wanzala, Stephen Opoku, Levis Okello, Eli Asieche, John Otieno, George OdiwuorTusker Starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Daniel Sakari, Boniface Onyango, Charles Momanyi, Isaac Kipyegon, Humphrey Mieno, Apollo Otieno, Shaphan Siwa, Lawrence Luvanda, Eric Zakayo, Ibrahim JoshuaSubs: Brian Bwire, Kevin Monyi, Clyde Senaji, Rodgers Ouma, Collins Otieno, Jackson Macharia, John Njuguna, Stewart Omondi, Deogratius Ojok.
