Tusker knock-out Djiboutian champions Arta Solar, to face Egyptians Zamalek in Champions League

Tusker FC's Jackson Macharia and Danny Achille (left) of Arta Solar 7 from Djibouti in the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round match at The Nyayo National stadium on Saturday, September 18, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Tusker FC knocked out Djiboutian champions Arta Solar from the Caf Champions League after defeating them 3-0 in the return leg of the preliminary round played at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Tanzanian import Joshua Ibrahim, Ugandan striker Deogratius Ojok and former Kakamega Homeboyz player Shami Kibwana were on target for the Kenyan champions who put on a solid display as they advanced to the next round with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Kibwana opened the scoring with a penalty in the fifth minute before Ibrahim doubled their lead in the 25th minute through a header for a 2-0 lead at the break. Substitute Ojok would seal the win late on in the final half.

The FKF Premier League champions will now face Egyptian giants Zamalek in the next playoff round where the aggregate winner will book a place in the group stages of the continent’s premier clubs competition.

A challenge on Ibrahim inside the box gifted Tusker an early penalty which Kibwana converted past a helpless Luyima Sulait in goal for Arta Solar to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute.

In the 25th minute, Tusker doubled their advantage when Ibrahim rose to head home from Jackson Macharia’s delivery. This was Tanzania’s second goal for Tusker and also in the Champions League.

Robert Matano’s men held on to their 2-0 advantage into the break and in the 75th-minute Ojok would replace Joshua Mwakasaba and through his first touch sealed the deal after netting for a 3-0 win.

The win sees Tusker progress to the first round on 4-1 aggregate after 1-1 draw in the first leg in Djibouti City last weekend.