Tusker qualify for 2021-2022 Caf Champions League

Tusker FC celebrate a goal against Mathare United FC during an FKF PL match at Kasarani Annex on Sunday Jan 31, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

Tusker will represent Kenya in the 2021-2022 Caf Champions League.

This is after the brewers thrashed Ulinzi Stars 4-1 in a five-goal thriller Football Kenya Federation Premier League match played at Nakuru Show ASK Grounds on Wednesday.

The win saw Tusker remain top of the standings with 47 points, attaining the deadline set by FKF.

KCB, who were hoping to beat Tusker in the race for the ticket, beat Nzoia Sugar 2-1 at Ruaraka but they could not topple Robert Matano's side.

The bankers came is second with 46 points after coming from behind to defeat Nzoia Sugar.

FKF had in May said they will submit the name of Kenya’s representative at next season’s Caf Champions League by the end of June 30, the deadline earlier communicated by Caf.

Ulinzi's John Kago is shown a yellow card by referee Raymond Onyango during an FKF Premier League match against Sofapaka at Utalii Sports Club on Friday, June 25, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

The 11-time champions will now make a return to the continental club competitions after a five-year absence.

Tusker last featured in the Caf Champions League in 2017, falling 3-2 to Mauritania’s AS Port-Louis at the preliminary stage.

In the match, Boniface Okinyi gave Ulinzi the lead in the lead after nine minutes of play time before an own goal by Brian Birgen restored parity for Tusker as the game went to the break tied at 1-1.

In the final half, midfielder Brian Marita would give Tusker the lead only two minutes after the restart before Kepha Aswani and Chrispinus Onyango late goals in added time would seal the breweries victory.