FC Talanta assistant coach Jackson Gatheru has lifted the lid on the tactical masterclass that saw his side outwit title contenders Tusker FC 2-0 in an FKF Premier League clash held on Wednesday, 14 May at Dandora Stadium.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsWith the stakes high for the Brewers, Talanta turned in a composed and calculated performance that dealt a major blow to Tusker’s hopes of lifting the title this season.Red-hot striker Emmanuel Osoro was the hero of the day, scoring both goals to seal the upset and strengthen his place in the Golden Boot race.Gor Mahia squander chance to close in on Kenya Police after City Stars defeatThe win was particularly sweet for Talanta, who had suffered a 3-1 loss to Tusker in the first leg back in October 2024.The game sprang to life early on when Tusker’s George Kaddu handled the ball in the area while trying to block a shot from Talanta’s Benard Odhiambo.Though he escaped a red card, the referee awarded a penalty. Osoro made no mistake from the spot, sending the Talanta faithful into celebration.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925217##Tusker immediately rang the changes, bringing in Erick Balecho and Ian Simiyu for Dennis Wanjala and Lawrence Luganda.But Talanta remained unshaken. Their midfield trio took control, and wingbacks Alex Kipruto and Evans Malwa shone, disrupting Tusker’s flow and launching quick counterattacks.“We knew Tusker would come with two midfielders, so I wanted us to dominate that area. We set up in a low block and targeted them on the counter,” Gatheru told Mozzart Sport.U20 AFCON Diary: Churches common in Egypt with Ksh640 enough for water, electricity, gasDespite Tusker enjoying more possession, they failed to convert it into chances thanks to Talanta’s compact structure and aggressive pressing.Gatheru’s low block strategy allowed his side to absorb pressure and spring forward with pace.Later in the game, Tusker, desperate for an equaliser, pushed defender Charles Momanyi into a forward role.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925197##Sensing opportunity, Gatheru adjusted again, advancing Osoro and Clinton Makacha to exploit the exposed spaces left behind, which forced even Tusker’s midfielder David Odoyo into defensive duties.At this point, Talanta were enjoying numerical defense advantage in the form of Machaka, Osoro, Stewart Omondi, Peter Abiola, and Herit Mungai.The plan worked perfectly.AFC Leopards head coach lists three unique qualities Christopher Koloti possessesA misplaced pass by Tusker’s Collins Odhiambo was intercepted by Osoro, who calmly slotted home his second of the evening, possibly the most damaging goal of Tusker’s campaign.“When they switched to three at the back, I knew there would be spaces on the wings,” he continued.Gatheru went on to praise his players and the technical bench for the hard work that had gone into preparing for the game. He also credited the club’s recent adaptation to Dandora Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925242##“During the first matches of the league, it was difficult for us to pick up points here. But we started training here and we’re seeing the results. The boys are now used to this turf and are ready to fight. The management has also supported us,” he said.With safety in the league seemingly assured, Gatheru now hopes the players can be rewarded for their efforts.Tactical analysis: How Kakamega Homeboyz outwitted Kenya Police“Let the boys now look for allowance, so at least when they head home for the holiday, they will have some money,” Gatheru said.Talanta’s next test comes against FKF Premier League leaders Kenya Police FC on Sunday, 18 May.
