A 68th minute goal by Shafik Batambuze was all Tusker required to sink arch-rivals AFC Leopards 1-0 to be crowned Sportpesa Kenyan Premier League champions at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Batambuze unleashed a powerful strike from a corner kick taken by Osborne Monday to beat Leopards custodian Ian Otieno, who had a superb afternoon especially in the first half.
Tusker won the title with a total of 58 points from 29 matches, with a match at hand against former champions Gor Mahia on November 19.
In spite of the title tucked under their armpit, Tusker coach Paul Nkata said they are taking their final match against Gor with the seriousness it deserves.
“Our final match against Gor will be a cracker and we must prove to them that we are the real champions by virtue of winning the premiership title and also the GOtv Shield kings,” Nkata told Feverpitch in a post-match interview.
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“We knew it was a tough match but we were determined to get a winning goal and kept on pressing until we got it. We are now focused on Africa Champions League,” the proud Ugandan tactician said.
Leopards coach Stewart Hall admitted having lost to a better side as he congratulated Tusker players for the victory but promised to carry out a radical surgery on the playing unit ahead of next season.
“Our performance today was far much better than the game against Sofapaka and we had a plan for Tusker and knew they would be dangerous from corners and that is how they earned their victory as they breached our initial plan,” said Hall.
Match-wise, both teams displayed splendid football with each keen on shaking the net first.
Tusker were the first to go on the offensive when Anthony Ndolo’s strike was turned behind by goalkeeper Otieno for a fruitless corner in the seventh minute.
In the 28th minute, Leopards pressed forward with Allan Katerega’s powerful blockbuster narrowly missing the target.
Realising that they could not beat central defenders Martin Kizza, Lloyd Wahome and Humphery Mieno, Leopards attacked from the wings, whereby Moussa Sissoko (right) and John Ndirangu (left) were outstanding with the assistance of midfielder Andrew Tololwa.
Their efforts almost paid off when Mungai Kiongera’s attempt missed the target by inches in the 78th minute after outwitting the brewers’ defence.
Both teams made several substitutions, with the Leopards benching injured defender Jackson Saleh and Alfred Wekesa for Yusuf Suf and Cresten Mwanzo. The changes did help the Leopards’ midfield stabilise when it seemed subdued by Tusker.
On their part, Tusker rested Anthony Ndolo and Robert Omunuk for Clifford Alwanga and Jackson Macharia, a move that pegged back Leopards, allowing Tusker to march on and lift the KPL title.
