TUSKER: Nsimbe blames lack of fitness for Port Louis draw

Tusker FC coach George Nsimbe react against AS Port Louis(Mauritius) during their 21ST Edition of Total CAF Champions League at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday 11/02/17.They draw 1-1.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Tusker coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe has blamed lack of fitness and high profile friendly matches for his side’s 1-1 draw with Mauritius’ Port Louis in Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg tie, at Kasarani Stadium.

This was Tusker’s first appearance on the continental scene since 2013. Many Kenyans are expecting them to have an improved performance after 15-time domestic champions Gor Mahia were eliminated by Madagascar CNaPs in the preliminary round last year.

The Kenyan champions, who went into the match as bookmarkers’ favourites, were a shadow of their former selves as the visitors made them look so ordinary.

 “We drew, but that’s not the end. We can still go there (Mauritius) and perform. This is not the performance I expected, but in football anything can happen,” said Nsimbe.

“Actually, the boys didn’t perform to our expectations. But we also lacked match fitness because we didn’t have any international friendlies.”