Title-chasing Tusker back on top of Premier League table

Tusker players celebrating their 2-0 victory against Gor Mahia during FkF Premier League match, round of Twenty four at Ruaraka grounds. July 8, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Tusker sailed back to the top of the  FKF Premier League table with a hard-fought victory over Sofapaka 2-1 at Ruaraka Grounds yesterday as AFC Leopards piled more misery to relegation threatened Vihiga United in Thika.

Patrick Aussems' boys trounced Vihiga 3-1 to end their four game winless run in the league.

Jackson Macharia's last gasp goal completed the brewers' comeback win and temporarily leapfrog KCB at the summit.

The bankers who are now one point shy of Tusker (58), clash with record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia  in what is expected to be an explosive match at Thika Stadium today as the race for the title intensifies.

Instrumental midfielder Lawrence Juma gave the hosts the lead in the 35th minute from the spot after Tusker’s Michael Madoya brought down Joseph Waithira in the box.

But his celebration was cut short by Rodgers Aloro's equaliser four minutes later with a powerful effort that flew past a hapless goalkeeper Kennedy Odhiambo.

And just when the game seemed to be headed for a draw in the final half, Hillary Wandera delivered a perfect cross from the left flank that was headed by substitute Erick Zakayo into Macharia’s path who made no mistake to garner the maximum points for Robert Matano's men.

In an earlier match at the same venue, Mathare United revived their hopes of survival with a 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars.

Daniel Otieno and Clifford Alwanga scored in either half to inspire Mathare to  their third consecutive win.

The win propelled them three points above the relegation zone as the former champions continue with their fight to avoid the drop.

Mathare are still 15th on the log but with 24 points, three more than Western Stima and four above bottom placed Vihiga United.

At Thika Stadium that also hosted a double header, AFC Leopards ended their four match losing streak after thrashing bottom placed Vihiga United 3-1.

In an early kick off match, Bidco United came from behind to hold Ulinzi Stars to a 1-1 draw. Mark Bikokwa gave Ulinzi a 1-0 halftime lead but Peter Nzuki cancelled it out from the spot. 

In the second game, Elvis Rupia extended his tally for the season to 16 goals after a good build up from the back that saw Harrison Mwendwa outsprint his marker down the right before picking up Rupia who netted the opener for Ingwe in the 10th minute.

Mwendwa would turn a provider again in the 26th minute after tormenting the Vihiga defenders down the flank to set up Austin Odhiambo for the second goal of evening.

The former Kariobangi Sharks winger completed his hat-trick of assists by finding an unmarked Peter Thiongo in the box midway in the second half.

Substitute Kevin Omondi would net Vihiga’s consolation goal but the damage had already been done as they now remain bottom of the table with a paltry 20 points.