Story by People Daily
Gor Mahia managed to collect crucial points in their bid to defend the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title following a 1-0 win over Tusker.
The slim win at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos came against Tusker, who have been resurgent and lethal in the past few games. However, the reigning champions, despite pressure from their rivals, held tight to emerge as winners.
Meanwhile, Levin Joseph, who is turning into one of the sensational stars for Tusker, came close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute. Erick Kapaito spotted him in a good goalscoring position, but he could not find the target as his shot went out.
Gor Mahia finally scored a goal in the 20th minute through Austin Odhiambo. The former AFC Leopards attacking midfielder came close to registering his brace in the 22nd minute, but Brian Bwire, in Tusker's goal, produced a magnificent save with a full-body reflex.
Tusker's chances
Mike Oduor produced two good chances that would have easily turned into goals, but his teammates could not fully utilise the 31st and 34th chances.
Omala, who was the subject of intense man-marking by Tusker, threatened to stretch Gor Mahia's lead in the 42nd minute, but Bwire denied him with another good save.
Tusker were more determined to restore parity at the beginning of the second half and came close to doing so with two opportunities in the 54th minute. Levin and Mike Kibwage were unable to turn those close chances into goals.
Coach Robert Matano made two changes for Tusker in the 65th minute with the withdrawals of Levin and Chrispine Erwambo. Their places were taken by Shaphan Oyugi and Ibrahim Joshua.
Joshua threatened in the 68th minute when he dispossessed his opponent from a close position, but his first-time shot flew over the bar. The Tanzanian had another chance to equalise but his ambitious overhead kick went wide a few minutes later.
Two more changes for the Brewers were made in the 80th minute when John Njuguna and James Kibande came on to replace Fabian Adikiny and Erick Kapaito.
The attacking changes were not as effective as anticipated by Matano and his technical bench, as Tusker could not deny Gor Mahia a crucial win.
Gor Mahia starting XI: Kevin Omondi, Rooney Onyango, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Kennedy Onyango, Ernest Wendo, Bonficae Omondi, Alpha Onyango, Bneson Omala, Austin Odhiambo, Christopher Ochieng
Tusker starting XI: Brian Bwire, Daniel Sakari, Thomas Teka, Mike Kibwage, Chrispine Erwambo, Michael Oduor, David Odoyo, Erick Kapaito, Fabian Adikiny, Levin Joseph.