Thika hold Tusker as Western Stima pick a point against City Stars

Thika United’s Tony Kizito (in white) vies for the ball against Tusker’s Ismail Dunga during their Kenyan Premier League match at City Stadium, yesterday. [PHOTO:STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

By Gilbert Wandera and Rodgers Eshitemi

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Tusker were held to a 1-1 draw by Thika United at City Stadium, yesterday.

Thika were the first to go ahead in the 24th minute when Francis Kahata found the back of the net with a perfect low shot following a 1-2 move between the midfielder and Ezekiel Odera.

The brewers equalised in the 54th minute when Jesse Were headed home an Aboud Mohammed effort.

Thika dominated the early proceedings of the match but did not create any clear chances to give them an advantage. Tusker, however, got the first chance of the first half when Were’s effort ended up in a corner at the 12th minute mark.

Tusker goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo was the busier of the two goalkeepers as he was called on to save efforts by Simon Mbugua and Wycliff Mbugua near the 20-minute mark.

In another match played at the same venue, visiting Western Stima picked a point from Nairobi City Stars in a match that ended in a barren draw.

Barren Draw

Chemelil Sugar will thank goalkeeper Jairus Adira for keeping them in the match yesterday after picking a point against Karuturi Sports following their barren draw at Oserian Stadium.

Adira saved a Hassan Zzinda penalty in the 87th minute and, considering the penalty had to be taken twice, it was a good show by the Chemelil goalkeeper and his efforts did well to ensure his side picked a positive result away.

But for Karuturi, the result does little to ease their relegation worries as it means they have now gone more than three matches without a win.

dominated both halves

Karuturi dominated both halves and will regret not taking advantage of their opportunities.

After kick-off, both teams went on the offensive in a bid to get the opener but it was not to be as the half ended in a barren draw.

Coming into this match, Karuturi Sports were desperate to get maximum points as they fight to escape the relegation axe.

Former Gor Mahia striker John Kiplagat got the first chance of the match in the second minute but he failed to put his side ahead after being put through by Ugandan striking partner Zzinda.

Kiplagat and Zzinda combined well and at the fifth minute mark, it was the turn of Zzinda to score but he was hesitant inside the Chemelil danger zone only to lose possession.

Another effort by the Karuturi twin attacking force resulted in their first corner kick at the quarter-hour mark. This was cleared by Chemelil.

Chemelil had their first chance to go ahead in the 35th minute but Noah Ayuko came out quickly to deny Charles Odera. After this, Chemelil looked the more settled side and enjoyed higher possession. Karuturi’s Zzinda was booked in injury time for scoring with his hand even as the Naivasha side fought to get a goal in the first half.