Tusker outclass Ulinzi to qualify for Caf Champions League
Tusker FC players celebrate after beating Ulinzi Stars 4-1 at Nakuru’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds on June 30, 2021 to clinch the Caf Champions League slot.
What you need to know:
- KCB, who were hoping to beat Tusker in the race for the ticket, beat Nzoia Sugar 2-1 at Ruaraka but Robert Matano's Brewers had done their bit in Nakuru.
- Ulinzi took an early lead through Boniface Onyango before a Brian Birgen own-goal restored parity for the Brewers.
Leaders Tusker on Wednesday humiliated Ulinzi Stars 4-1 in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League at the Nakuru ASK grounds to qualify for the Caf Champions League.
The win means Tusker will now end the day top of the standings and effectively represent the country in the 2021/2022 Caf Champions League. FKF had in May told clubs that the team at the top of the log on June 30 will represent the country in the competition.
Tusker FC players celebrate after beating Ulinzi Stars 4-1 at Nakuru’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds on June 30, 2021 to clinch the Caf Champions League slot.
KCB, who were hoping to beat Tusker in the race for the ticket, beat Nzoia Sugar 2-1 at Ruaraka but Robert Matano's Brewers had done their bit in Nakuru.
Ulinzi took an early lead through Boniface Onyango before a Brian Birgen own-goal restored parity for the Brewers.
From there on, it was an all-Tusker affair with Brian Marita giving them a 2-1 lead just a minute after the break. The match then turned into a cagey affair, with Tusker threatening but staying cautious at the back.
John Njuguna (left) and Elvis Nandwa (right) vie for the ball with Tusker captain Hashim Sempala during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Nakuru’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds on June 30, 2021.
Kepha Okoth and substitute Chris Ochieng struck two late goals to cap off the crucial win for the Brewers, who will be making a return to the continental scene for the first time since 2017 when they lost to AS Port Louis of Mauritius in the preliminary round.
It was a bad day in office for Benjamin Nyangweso and his charges charges who seemed to have left their ammunition at the barracks as they were outclassed and outscored by the brewers.
A crestfallen coach Nyangweso said he was shocked by the big loss at home.
“Our goalkeeper made some blunders which saw us concede easy goals. I will now go back to the drawing board and rectify the mistake ahead of our remaining matches. These kind of mistakes should not happen again,” said Nyangweso.
Matano, a former Ulizni Stars coach, was over the moon.
“It was a sweet victory for me. It was not an easy match but we have achieved our first target of qualifying for the Caf champions League. Our focus now shifts to the title race which is also our target," Matano said.
Matano said he was not worried after Ulinzi Stars took the lead in the 11th minute, after Onyango goalkeeper Michael Wanjala for the opener.
“This goal made my team adjust and since the game is 90 minutes I was not a worried man. I had given the boys firm instructions not to be shaken by an early goal but respond just in case the soldiers take a lead. This worked for me."
"I must admit there was a lot of pressure but I’m happy we have managed the pressure by translating it into a big victory."
Tusker were level on 19 minutes after Birgen turned Luke Namanda's dangerous cross into his own net. Tusker skipper Hashim Sempala and striker Henry Meja came close for the Brewers after wards, but the soldiers stood firm.
Ulinzi Stars coach Benjamin Nyangweso cuts a dejected figure on the touchline during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against Tusker at Nakuru’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds on June 30, 2021.
On resumption, Marita gave Tusker the lead from another cross from Namanda.
With only two minutes before full time, Tusker added a third which effectively killed off any hopes of a comeback from the soldiers before Ochieng capped off the victory with a goal deep into stoppage time.
