NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 25 – Tusker’s hopes of regaining their hold on the summit of the Kenyan Premier League standings were thwarted after being held to a 1-1 draw by four-time champions Ulinzi Stars at the Ruaraka Complex on Sunday.
Enosh Ochieng who had broken the lead should have won it for the soldiers at the death but his snap header from the edge of the six yard box went inches wide.
Ochieng scored with four minutes before half time but Tusker raced back to level through Timothy Otieno who scored a second half penalty.
Tusker remain third with 38 points, same as second placed Gor Mahia and one behind leaders Kakamega Homeboyz.
Ochieng broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute with a brilliant volley after being picked out by an equally well placed pass from youngster John Njuguna who curled the ball behind the defense into the striker’s path behind the defense.
Before that, the soldiers had chances to score with Ibrahim Shambi’s shot being well saved by Tusker goalie Emery Mvuyekure while Boniface Onyango had a header off a corner cleared off the goalline.
Just a few minutes after conceding, Tusker should have drawn level when Timothy Otieno chested the ball down for Jackson Macharia inside the box but the midfielder shot wide from close range.
In the second half, Tusker boss Robert Matano started off by making a double save with George Odhiambo and David Majak coming in.
The changes brought some punch in the Tusker attack with Odhiambo having a shot go just over after being played through by Macharia.
However, in the 66th minute they drew level when Otieno scored from the spot after he had been brought down by Ulinzi keeper Jacktone Odhiambo as he raced to a beauty of a through pass from Odhiambo.
