Tusker FC turned resilience into reward, coming from behind to edge Ulinzi Stars 2–1 and book their place in the FKF Cup semifinals in a pulsating clash at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Eric Kapaito fired the Ruaraka-based Brewers ahead before Ulinzi equalised through Staphod Odhiambo, a goal that briefly handed the Soldiers control and forced Tusker into an uncomfortable chase.
“We started brightly and executed our plan well in the opening phases,” said Ulinzi head coach Mulinge Ndetto. “But against a team like Tusker, small lapses become very costly.”
Tusker doubled the advantage through Ibrahim Joshua, the goal shifting the rhythm of the match and injecting belief into the Brewers’ play. “I always stay ready for moments like that,” said Eric Kapaito. “When the chance came, it was about instinct and composure.”
From the touchline, Tusker boss Julien Mette watched his side grow into the contest, their confidence swelling with every forward movement. “We showed character today,” Mette said. “Going behind, away from home, is never easy, but the response was exactly what I expected from this team.”
Ulinzi, however, felt the turning point came in their inability to sustain pressure after taking the lead. “We had opportunities to extend the advantage, and we didn’t take them,” Ndetto admitted. “At this level, that’s the difference between progressing and going home.”
Kapaito remained at the heart of Tusker’s attacking thrust, constantly stretching the Ulinzi backline and forcing errors. “The team pushed me, the midfield kept believing, and we kept knocking,” Kapaito added. “It was only a matter of time before something opened up.”
Tusker’s persistence paid off when Ibrahim Joshua struck the winner, sealing a comeback that underlined their growing authority in knockout football. “This is a team that refuses to panic,” Mette noted. “We stayed disciplined, trusted our structure, and eventually found the breakthrough.”
For Ulinzi, the defeat carried lessons as much as disappointment. “We competed well, but football is decided in key moments,” Ndetto said. “We must learn how to manage those moments better.”
Kapaito, reflecting on the turnaround, emphasised unity within the Tusker camp. “We never lost belief, even when we were behind,” he said. “Everyone knew their role, and we executed when it mattered most.”
Mette echoed that sentiment, pointing to mentality as the defining factor. “In cup football, mentality wins you games,” he said. “Today, our mindset made the difference.”
Ndetto, though frustrated, acknowledged the quality of the opposition. “Tusker punished us when it mattered,” he said. “That’s what strong teams do in these competitions.”
Kapaito’s influence continued to shine as Tusker closed out the match with control and maturity. “We wanted this win badly,” he said. “It’s not just about scoring—it’s about helping the team move forward.”
Mette, now with one eye on the semifinals, urged focus and consistency. “We celebrate tonight, but tomorrow we prepare again,” he said. “The job is not finished.”
Ndetto, meanwhile, called for resilience from his squad. “We have to respond positively,” he said. “There’s still a lot to fight for this season.”
Kapaito, already looking ahead, made Tusker’s ambitions clear. “We believe in ourselves,” he said. “Now we push for the trophy.”
And Mette, closing the chapter on a dramatic afternoon, summed it up with quiet conviction: “This team is growing,” he said. “And we are ready for what comes next.”
Meanwhile, Nairobi United bowed out of the competition after crashing 1-0 to KCB at Kasarani Annexe. Richard Omondi scored for KCB in the 35th minute.
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