Tusker capitalise on key moments to overcome KCB

Tusker FC produced a composed yet dramatic display to edge KCB at Kasarani Annexe on Sunday, using moments of quality and late-game management to secure a hard-fought victory that lifted them to sixth on the Kenyan Premier League table with 27 points, nine behind leaders Gor Mahia.

The Brewers were tested for long spells by a disciplined KCB side, but Chrispine Erambo’s stunning long-range volley and a late Eric Kapaito finish proved decisive in a match that ebbed and flowed before a frantic finish. KCB, who rallied late through Omar Chirchir, were left eighth on the log with 25 points.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides keen to avoid early mistakes. Tusker enjoyed more of the ball, while KCB sat compact and looked to counter through Francis Kahiro.

Tusker head coach Charles Okere later explained the measured approach. “We knew the game would require patience,” Okere said. “KCB are well organised, and if you rush, you expose yourself.”

Tusker’s first real threat came in the 17th minute when Erambo rifled a left-footed shot from inside the box. A deflection took the pace off the effort, allowing the goalkeeper to collect, but it was an early sign of intent from the Brewers’ midfield.

KCB responded with increased aggression, and that intensity crossed the line in the 34th minute when Kahiro was shown a yellow card for an intentional handball as he attempted to halt a Tusker move.

Reflecting on that phase of the match, KCB head coach Robert ‘The Lion’ Matano felt his side were still in control. “We were competitive in the first half,” Matano said. “We stayed in the game and didn’t allow Tusker to dominate us.”

At the start of the second half, Matano moved to inject energy into his team, introducing Richard Omondi and David Sakwa in place of Francis Kahata and December Kisakah.

“The game needed more urgency from us,” Matano explained. “We wanted to press higher and move the ball quicker.”

Okere responded by reshaping his own side, bringing on Thomas Omolle, who would later make way for Dennis Oalo, as Tusker sought more penetration down the flanks.

“We felt we needed more width,” Okere said. “The idea was to stretch them and create better angles in the final third.”

The substitution nearly paid off immediately. A well-weighted ball from Isaac Iguma picked out Omolle unmarked at the back post, but the winger volleyed wide, a miss that drew a sharp reaction from the Tusker bench.

Okere admitted it was a pivotal moment. “Those chances are important,” he said. “But the positive was that we were starting to find space.”

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute, and it came in a spectacular fashion. Erambo controlled the ball from roughly 25 yards out and, with his second touch, unleashed a thunderous volley that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Okere kept his praise grounded. “Chrispine has confidence in his striking,” he said. “He took responsibility, and that made the difference.”

KCB pushed forward in search of an equaliser, committing more numbers into attack, but Tusker remained disciplined. In the closing stages, Okere made another tactical switch, withdrawing Fabian Adikinyi for Dennis Oguta, to add fresh legs and defensive balance.

“We needed to manage the game better at that stage,” Okere noted. “Sometimes substitutions are about control, not chasing goals.”

Tusker appeared to have sealed the result in the 87th minute when a lofted ball from deep found Eric Kapaito’s run behind the defence. The forward kept his composure and calmly placed the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper to double the advantage.

From the KCB bench, Matano cut a frustrated figure but acknowledged the lapse. “We lost concentration for a moment,” he said. “At this level, you get punished.”

The match was not done yet. In the 88th minute, KCB pulled one back when Omar Chirchir capitalised on a loose ball and finished smartly, setting up a tense finale.

Matano felt the late goal reflected his team’s spirit. “The players never gave up,” he said. “That reaction is important for us going forward.”

Tusker, however, held firm in the remaining minutes to secure all three points. Okere stressed the importance of seeing out matches. “These are the wins you need over a season,” he said. “Not always pretty, but very important.”

Despite the defeat, Matano remained pragmatic. “The performance wasn’t bad,” he said. “It was decided by moments, and that’s football.”

As the final whistle blew, Tusker walked away with a valuable victory built on discipline and decisive finishing, while KCB were left to reflect on missed chances and brief lapses — the fine margins that continue to define the Kenyan Premier League race.