Muchiri returns from injury to inspire Tusker as Sofapaka hit Rangers

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Boniface Muchiri scored the winner and provided an assist on his return from injury as Tusker beat Chemelil Sugar 2-1 in yesterday’s SportPesa Premier League match at Ruaraka Grounds.

The millers went ahead through Biko Tindi’s nearpost header from Justin Monda’s corner kick in the 26th minute before Michael Madoya drew level on the stroke of halftime. 

Substitute Peter Nzuki combined well with Jackson Macharia to set up Muchiri, who unleashed a powerful low drive to beat Chemelil goalkeeper Kevin Otieno.

In Machakos, Sofapaka ended their seven game winless run by beating struggling Posta Rangers 1-0 as Western Stima missed a chance to go level on points with second placed Bandari after being frustrated to a barren draw by visiting KCB.

Vihiga United also played out to a barren draw with Nzoia Sugar at Bukhungu Stadium, while Mount Kenya United held Ulinzi Stars to a 1-1 draw at Kasarani Stadium.

It’s an important result for Robert Matano as the brewers, moved up to the third position and narrowed the gap on league leaders Mathare United to three points (20).

“We are coming up so well. I’m happy both goals were scored by two players who are coming from injuries. All in all,that’s a good progress,” said Matano.

“The main target was to collect maximum points and we did it. No matter how you play, the target is always to win. It is also to keep close with the league leaders because you never know what can happen.”

Former Zoo Kericho star Madoya, who was also also returning from a long injury layoff, cancelled out Tindi’s opener when he pounced on Muchiri’s pass in the box to shoot into the roof of the Chemelil Sugar net.

The millers could have gone into the break leading, but their strikers were wasteful.

And just after Muchiri’s wondergoal, Francis Ocholla thought he had snatched a point for Francis Baraza’s men only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Stima coach Paul Ogai was unhappy with the result claiming they wasted a clear opportunity of closing the gap on leaders Mathare United.

“We created chances and dominated the game but I think we were not lucky.

“The defence was also not that good and the boys should pull up their socks in the next game”, he told Standard Sports in a post-match interview.