Tusker FC rose back from last week’s disappointing last minute loss to Bidco United to beat Ulinzi Stars by a solitary goal at the Kasarani Annex on Friday to bounce back to winning ways.
Boniface Muchiri’s goal in the second half, his first this season, saw the brewers pick maximum points and stretch their lead at the apex of the standings to nine points with two games left before the first leg concludes.
Muchiri tapped home six minutes after the break when Ulinzi keeper James Saruni spilled Henry Meja’s cross from the right.
Ulinzi started off on a high and had some chances off set pieces. First, Christopher Oruchum had to be alert to clear away a dangerously floated corner from Daniel Waweru after five minutes while three minutes later, Boniface Onyango’s header also off a corner went wide.
Tusker gradually settled into the match with Boniface Andayi make a vital block to deny Henry Meja a shot at goal. From the resultant set piece, Andayi once again denied a goal scoring chance, blocking Oruchum’s connection.
Two minutes on the turn, Kevin Monyi forced a save off James Saruni in the Ulinzi goal with a shot from the right. Saruni had to be called to action once again in the 17th minute, making a neat save off Meja’s effort before also blocking out a well taken shot from Apollo Otieno.
In the second half, the soldiers kept the press and six minutes in, they were 1-0 up. The soldiers built in the pressure to equalize, but Robert Matano’s men stood tall to ensure the three points were well guarded.