Two second half strikes from Shami Mwinyi and Ibrahim Joshua were the big difference for defending champions Tusker as they made a worthwhile return from the break with a big 2-1 win over Mathare United 2-1 in an entertaining FKF Premier League fixture staged at the Ruaraka stadium on Saturday afternoon.The win pushes Tusker into fifth place on the log with 28 points while Mathare United slip a place lower into 17th position with a total of 10 points.##NAJAVA_MECA_7031515##Elsewhere at the Bukhungu stadium, Nairobi City Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz extended their winless runs with a drab 0-0 result that left the former in the15th position – just two points above the relegation places. Homeboyz on the other hand remain eighth with a total of 22 points.Both sides were off to a slow start as they struggled to create clear cut chances in the opening events.John Njuguna, with a clear lane ahead of him from a Shami Mwinyi deflected corner, blasted wide in the seventeenth minute before Mathare left back Joseph Odhiambo attempted to dink over Patrick Matasi. His effort went just wide – to the relief of a retreating Charles Momanyi.Shami Mwinyi had two quick opportunities come his way when he made the switch to the left wing, with his closest chance going just over Jairo’s goal.Sakari was having a torrid first half and it persisted as Donald Ange nicked the ball from him, forcing Tom Teka to hack down Kimari just outside the 18-yard box.Joseph Odhiambo’s freekick in the 33rd minute attracted noises round the ground as Patrick Matasi stretched out a strong right hand to keep the latter’s effort out.Mang’eni keen on more goal contributions for Kenya PoliceMathare United were definitely enjoying the backing of the huge crowd that made way into the stadium and they upped their game.Curtis Wekesa found space down the left side from a wonderfully placed ball by Francis Wasike only to hit a tame shot that trickled out for a goalkick.After the halftime whistle, the Mathare United players converged at the centre circle, exchanged high-fives, before heading into the locker rooms accompanied by huge applause from the travelling fans.Second half. Tusker came out of the break looking the more hungrier side and it didn’t take long before they took the lead.Tanzanian striker Ibrahim Joshua in the 55th minute received the ball unmarked on the left side, drove into the area and dinked past an onrushing Jairo to silence the packed stadium.Posta Rangers rally from goal down to frustrate Nzoia SugarMathare United – as they have done this season – showed grit and made their numerous trips to the Tusker box through their dependable striker Donald Ange- who directed a right foot shot into the net from a delightful Curtis Wekesa cross from the right.Tusker didn’t show any signs of backing down and they soon took the lead in the 71st minute – and in spectacular fashion.Shami Mwinyi benefitted from a poorly cleared Tusker throw-in and unleashed a right foot shot that found its way into the top left hand corner, eliciting wild celebrations from the few Tusker fans present.Samuel Koko threw in the kitchen sink bringing in Daniel Otieno and Augustine Kuta for some offensive firepower but as the minutes ticked, it was Tusker who were creating opportunities to seal the high-tension fixture. Mwinyi twice came close to get his second but his low shots went wide.LINE UPS:Tusker FC.Patrick Matasi, Daniel Sakari, Kevin Monyi, Tom Teka, Charles Momanyi, David Odoyo, John Njuguna, Shaphan Siwa, Ibrahim Joshua, Deogratious Ojok, Shami Mwinyi.Mathare United.Bernard Jairo, Fidel Otieno, Brian Okeyo, Gideon Were, Levin Odhiambo, Derrick Ikholi, Khalid Jumaan, Steve Kimari, Francis Baraza, Curtis Wekesa, Donald Ange.
