TUSKER BACK IN FRIDGE: Nairobi City Stars delay brewers’ title celebrations

Harambee Starlet's Neddy Achieng (left) and Christine Manie of Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon during International friendly match at Kasarani in preparation for the African Women's Cup of Nations, Oct 22, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Tusker’s one all draw with City Stars may have just slowed their title chase.

Could they be panicking at the sight of the title and pressure from defending champions Gor Mahia?

It was meant to be a walk in the park against City Stars, and they were expected to maintain their six point gap which would have left them needing only a similar number in the remaining three games but the draw may have just complicated matters for them. Four points now separated them and Gor Mahia.

While their coach Paul Nkata says they are not under pressure, the draw coupled with Gor Mahia’s 2-0 win over rivals AFC Leopards has yanked open the title race again.

It means Tusker will need to beat Sony Sugar in Awendo and AFC Leopards to make their final game against Gor Mahia a mere formality.

It is possible for them to do so. Tusker have been great playing away but Awendo is not one of the best hunting grounds for visiting teams.

AFC Leopards have not been at their best, but on a good day they can produce a surprise result.

They travel to Awendo on Saturday before hosting AFC Leopards in Nakuru the following weekend.

On paper, Tusker are favourites to beat Sony and a free falling AFC Leopards, but if their result against City Stars is anything to go by, it is not going to be easy for them.

Despite being at the top, Tusker has not produced a performance worthy of being the champions. Just like Gor Mahia, they have blown hot and cold and at the same time dropped points when least expected.

But coach Paul Nkata says there is no cause to worry after the weekend draw.

“We knew winning all matches was not going to be easy. City Stars are fighting relegation and you know how it is usually tricky to meet such sides,” Nkata said.

“Of course we were left frustrated by the draw because it comes with its own pressures especially given our main challengers won, but we hold our own destiny and the title is ours to lose,” he added.

Antony Ekhaliani Ndolo opened the scores for Tusker capitalising on a blunder by John Amboko, but City Stars had Robert Ndung’u levelling the scores in the second half.

City Stars held on to earn a point, but their relegation worries are far from over.