Robert Matano’s decision to bring on Eric Otieno in the 65th minute proved to be a masterstroke, as the former Wazito man grabbed a last minute match winner to see Tusker sail to the final of the 2022/2023 Mozzart Bet Cup final following their narrow 1-0 victory against Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium.With the game looking set to go to extra time after 89 minutes of a scoreless affair, an ever impressive Levin Odhiambo, floated in an inch perfect cross that Otieno directed past a hapless Ricks Omondi and into the back of the net as the four-time champions landed the late sucker punch to book their spot in the final.In a heartfelt moment, the Tusker players celebrated by holding Daniel Sakari’s jersey who was missing from the game after sadly losing his father on the Friday evening before the game.FULL TIME at the Nyayo National Stadium.INTO THE FINAL!! That was for you, Daniel Sakari. pic.twitter.com/b8gzUAACid— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) May 20, 2023 The game promised a cracking encounter if the opening minutes was anything to go by as Tusker, after weathering early pressure from Ulinzi Stars’ fast start, made two attempts on goal through John Njuguna.Although the efforts failed to cause any trouble to Omondi in the soldiers’ goal, they appeared to signal intent from the four time cup winners.That early spark however, quickly fizzled out as the game dropped into an encounter which, failed to produce any substantial action in front of goal from both sides.##NAJAVA_MECA_7268555##The first shot on target had to wait until the 34th minute when Ulinzi’s Staphod Odhiambo made a clever run in front if his markers before flicking Omar Mbongi’s long throw towards goal.Despite having the accuracy on it, the strike just lacked enough power as Bwire comfortably tipped the ball to avert any looming danger.That little piece of action pumped life into the contest as both sides came out if their shells in the remaining ten minutes of the first half.When Tusker drove forward, Ulinzi looked to exploit the space left behind as they broke away in a deadly counter attacking move that the beer makers managed to survive as Salim Swaleh’s intended final pass to a waiting Boniface Muchiri was well read by Tom Teka who intervened with a crucial goal saving block.AFCON U17: Senegal rally from behind to pip Morocco to the titleThe recycled ball led to a free kick but set piece specialist Muchiri just lacked the power with his effort being saved comfortably by Bwire as the two sides went into the break with the deadlock intact.The tempo in the second half failed to move into another gear as both sides struggled in creating clear chances on goal.FUFA hand over their joint AFCON bid to government ahead of submission deadlineMuchiri however came the closest to finding the opening goal of the match in the 53rd minute as his expertly taken free kick from just outside the box unfortunately hit the post despite having the beating of Bwire.Ulinzi continued creating the better chances and Stephen Etyang should have made better decisions on two different occasions but he ended up fluffing the opportunities.Those unutilized chances would come to haunt the team as Otieno made the team to pay with the 89th minute header.Starting XITuskerBrian Bwire (GK), Kevin Monyi, Levin Odhiambo, Tom Teka, Michael Kibwage, Humprey Mieno, Lawrence Luvanda (Erick Mmata 65′), Rodgers Ouma, Deogratius Ojok (Eric Otieno 65′), John Njuguna (David Odoyo 87′), Mike OduorUlinzi StarsRicks Omondi (GK), Salim Swaleh, Omar Mbongi, Bonface Andayi, Bonventure Muchika, John Kago (Enosh Ochieng’ 68′), Stephen Etyang, Issa Lumumba, Hillary Simiyu, Staphod Odhiambo, Boniface Muchiri (Clinton Omondi 54′)
