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Tusker maintain their lead at the top of the table after drawing with Gor Mahia in a title-deciding and very entertaining match.
Robert Matano's Tusker maintained their lead at the top of the FKFPL table after drawing 0-0 with Johnathan McKinstry's charges in a thrilling encounter played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon.
The game started quickly with both sides already making attempts within the first minute of the match.
Tusker were proactive and quick to win every duel, and their pressure won them a chance just outside the area in the second minute when captain Humphrey Mieno attempted a low drilled shot just outside the area.
Gor Mahia's first attempt came in the 8th minute through a well executed free kick by Dennis Ngaga from the right flank, which Tusker custodian Brian Bwire found difficulties claiming, but luck was on his side.
Kogalo resorted to having to create chances by looking for set piece situations and won another in the 22nd minute. Ng'ang'a executed it very well once more, but 21 could not capitalize on the chance.
In the 27th minute, Tusker center back Tomas Teka capitalized on an opportunity to attack the left flank of Gor's defense as he combined well with Mieno before drilling a low cross down the right flank but Eric Otieno could not get near the ball quick enough.
Gor Mahia took advantage of a blip in concentration when Tusker attempted to play out from the back but Peter Lwasa could only hit it wide, much to Robert Matano's displeasure.
Tusker created the first real chance of the game from open play in the 36th minute with Shapan hitting a ferocious shot that ricocheted off the post, but Eric Mmata could not take advantage of the rebound.
The Brewers could have had yet another chance to score in the 43rd minute when Shapan pressed Ochieng’ yet again and won the ball, before running towards Mathews' net. However, he could not take advantage, as his shot sailed wide.
Gor Mahia were also creating chances of their own as the game quickly became end-to-end.
Gor Mahia created the first real opportunity right after the break when Alpha Onyango failed to hit the ball early after the side had countered down Tusker’s right flank.
The game continued being end to end, although Kogalo continued to pin back Tusker, forcing them into hoofing the ball back away in desperation.
In the 60th minute, Gor Mahia had the chance to counter attack after Rodgers Ouma of Tusker needlessly gave the ball away while the league leaders were attempting to work the ball into the box.
Tusker continued sitting on the edge and could have gone behind yet again when another set-piece situation caused confusion in the box, but Sirkal simply could not take advantage.
Matano’s charges created a rare counter attacking situation when Mieno made a cross-field pass towards Mmata, who then hit it early towards Eric Otieno, but the lanky target man headed the ball straight onto the palms of Mathews.
In the 68th minute, the Brewers thought they had gone ahead through Mike Oduor when he hit a low drilled shot towards Mathews’ farpost, but his goal was amazingly ruled out for offside.
Tusker’s Levin Odhiambo gave Mathews something to think about when he executed a freekick that forced the Gor custodian to parry it away for a corner kick.
The game was continuing to live up to its-end -to end billing, and Gor continued to take advantage of Tusker’s tendency to give away the ball.
Substitute Lawrence Luvanda gave the ball away after he tried in vain to call for a foul, which allowed Omondi time and space to whip in a dangerous low cross into the area.
In the end, both sides drew 0-0.
Tusker line up: Brian Bwire, Kevin Monyi, Levin Odhiambo, Tom Teka, Charles Momanyi, Humphrey Mieno, Rodgers Ouma, Siwa Shapan, Eric Mmata (Lawrence Luvanda 79’), Eric Otieno(Deogracious Ojok 79’), Mike Oduor(John Macharia 79’)
Gor Mahia line up: Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Geofrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, Ernest Wendo, Wahongo Sydney, Boniface Omondi, Peter Lwasa (George Odhiambo 75’), Austin Odhiambo (Alpha Onyango 63’), Benson Omala Ochieng’(Patrick Kaddu 79’)
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