Robert Matano’s Tusker FC went back to the top of the 2022/2023 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) table after winning their game in hand by beating Wazito 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon at the Ruaraka Grounds.A clinical first half performance helped the league defending champions dislodge Gor Mahia from the summit with goals from Eric Otieno and diminutive winger Lawrence Luvanda bagging the three points as the Brewers recorded their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_7190036##While the result shifted the title race in Tusker’s favour, Wazito were pushed closer to relegation after suffering their fourth straight loss, leaving them second last on the log and ten points away from the safety places.With a chance to go top of the table being their reward of the day, Tusker came out of the blocks the quickest as they took the game to their opponents in the opening exchanges.The team tested Ezekiel Owade in the Wazito goal early on when a Luvanda searching cross into the area bounced awkwardly inside the penalty box forcing the goalkeeper to tip the innocuous attempt out for a corner kick.It wouldn’t take long for the men in yellow to get their breakthrough as neat interplay between Shaphan Oyugi and Luvanda down the right ended with the latter laying the ball on a plate for Otieno who headed the ball into the back of the net after an inviting inch perfect cross into his path on the 12th minute.FULL TIME at the Complex.THREE POINTS. FULL SHANGWE. pic.twitter.com/TaRGYvfRz0— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) April 19, 2023 With the ascendancy on their side and Wazito struggling to string anything concrete, the Brewers doubled their advantage on the 27th minute when Luvanda turned from provider to goalscorer with a neat low finish that Owade should have done better with.Shortly after conceding the two goals, Owade was subbed off from the game at the same time Tusker’s Rodgers Ouma also had to come off in an enforced change with Tom Muthomi and David Odoyo respecting the two respectively as the home side led into the break.AFC Leopards docked points, hit with massive fine following Homeboyz game debacleIn the second half, despite some renewed belief from Wazito who showed some improvements, it is Tusker who twice came close to extending their advantage but superb keeping from the outstretched Muthomi denied Humprey Mieno and substitute Shami Kibwana from having any reason to cheer.Tusker would end up sealing the match with Wazito having failed to record even a shot on target.Starting XITusker: Brian Bwire (GK), Daniel Sakari, Levin Odhiambo, Tom Teka, Charles Momanyi, Humprey Mieno, Lawrence Luvanda (Stewart Omondi 60′), Rodgers Ouma (David Odoyo 38′), Eric Otieno (Shami Mwinyi 60′) Siwa Shaphan (Jackson Macharia 60′), Mike OduorSubstitutes: Wanjala Michael, Mike Kibwage, Jimmy Mbugua, David Odoyo, Collins Otieno, Jackson Macharia, Shami Mwinyi, Stewart Omondi, John NjugunaWazito: Ezekiel Owade (GK) (Tom Muthomi 38′) Cliff Otieno, Denis Owino, Erick Juma, Regan Okoth, Okal Chrispine, Maxwel Odada, Stanley Okwemba, Christopher Raila, Collins Odhiambo, Yusuf MohammedSubstitutes: Tom Muthomi, Fred Waguda, David Oluoch, Samuel Adebowale, Griffins Miheso, Eneji Abubakar, Oums Ochola.
