Tusker returned to the top of the SportPesa Premier League after beating a stubborn Posta Rangers in Machakos 1-0 as Jacques Tuyisenge hit a brace to propel champions to an away 2-1 victory against Thika United on Sunday.
The victory saw Tusker take their points tally to 32, two more than second placed Mathare United, who silenced Ulinzi Stars 1-0 on Saturday as K'Ogalo leapfrogged Ulinzi into the third place (29 points).
The important goal of the game was scored in the 16th minute by Noah Wafula when the former AFC Leopards man easily headed home Michael Khamati's perfectly weighted cross from the left after beating the advancing Rangers goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
Tusker could have doubled their lead on the half-hour mark, but Khamati was denied by the post.
The tempo of the game intensified in the second half as the Mailmen searched for an equaliser, but were always put back by the solid brewers' backline.
READ MORE
Advantage Leopards and Gor as Homeboyz falter
Homeboyz eye top spot as APS Bomet seek to move out of relegation zone
KCB seek to end Police hoodoo as Friday league action resumes
John Nairuka had a chance to draw level in the 53rd minute but his header from Hashim Mukhwana's delivery went wide before Georson Likono's effort in the box was well dealt by Tusker custodian David Okello.
Tusker then earned a penalty in the hour mark after Salim Abdalla elbowed Khamati in the area, but Luis Khamadi's shot was thwarted by Matasi.
Moments later, Okello pulled off a fine save from the left flank before Likono's long range effort was blocked by the opposing defender as the brewers held their nerve to avenge their first leg 1-0 defeat to Rangers.
In Thika, Rwandese import Jacques Tuyisenge struck a first half brace to help champions Gor Mahia beat hosts Thika United 2-1 at the Thika County Stadium.
But it was on-form Kenyan international Eric Ouma who played the tormentor in chief role against the milkmen, providing the two quick assists for the prolific Tuyisenge.
However, Eugene Mukangula horribly embarrassed Gor goalkeeper Jerim Onyango with a spectacular long range strike, pulling a goal back for the James Nandwa's men on the stroke of halftime.
Gor Mahia threatened first in the ninth minute, but Ouma's attempt went wide.
But in the 12th minute, the former Kakamega High school student delivered a brilliant cross from the left for Tuyisenge to perfectly bury the header into the net.
Five minutes later, Tuyisenge combined well again with impressive Ouma, reacting fast to score the second goal in a similar fashion to the opener and take his league tally to eight goals.
rokumu@standardmedia.co.ke
