Gallant slum boys dent Tusker's lofty title aspirations

Tusker head coach Charles Okere insists their aspirations for a 12th Kenyan Premier League title are still alive despite suffering a huge setback in their campaign on Sunday.

Okere spoke after his charges squandered a perfect opportunity to go top of the standings following a heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Mathare United at Dandora Stadium, Nairobi.

Victory would have had the Ruaraka-based go two points better than leaders Police, but are now just one ahead of champions Gor Mahia at third.

Despite taking an early lead through Deogracious Ojok in the 35th minute, Tusker's hopes were dashed as Mathare United, spurred by recent struggles and a surge of defiant energy, mounted a spirited comeback.

Musa Masika, a substitute, became the unlikely hero, his first touch a thunderous equaliser in the 47th minute.

He then converted a penalty in the 76th minute after Elly Asieche was sent tumbling in the area.

While conceding that the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, Okere expressed unwavering determination,  refusing to succumb to despair.

"The season is in its final phases and the competition is getting tougher," Okere said.

"I am disappointed that we failed to capitalise on today's match to move to the top of the table. Doing so would have eased the pressure."

The gap, he emphasised, remains slim, adding that the season's final phases, though challenging, present an opportunity for redemption.

"The gap between us and the league leaders is still very slim," he asserted. "We are determined to finish on top of the table."

Mathare United came to the match low on confidence, having struggled in their most recent encounters. The win, the ninth of the season, propelled them to the 10th with 36 points.

Mathare head coach John Kamau lauded his charges for clawing back from a deficit.

"We exerted ourselves in the match and managed to rally back from behind. It was a show of great character, in my opinion," Kamau said.

"Overall, we were the best team and even deserved to have won by a bigger margin given we dominated a huge portion of the play," he added.

In other matches, Ulinzi Stars walloped Talanta 4-0 at Ulinzi Sports Complex while Kakamega Homeboyz and Sofapaka played out to a barren draw.