Will Robert Matano keep his job at Tusker? That is the question many pundits are asking after the Brewers suffered a 2-1 FKF Premier League defeat against promoted side Murang’a Seal FC at SportPesa Arena on Sunday.
The Brewers headed into the game after losing 1-0 against Ulinzi Stars in their previous fixture but they started strongly to take an early lead in the sixth minute through John Byamukama. However, the promoted side responded quickly to hit the back of the net courtesy of Eric Balecho. The result turned 2-1 in favour of the promoted side when Tutus Kapchanga scored with a fine strike at the near post that left Tusker goalkeeper Brian Bwire well-beaten to the far post.
Though Tusker coach Matano introduced striker Eric Kapaito in the second half, the home side held on to carry the day with their keeper James Kibande making great saves to keep them in the game. Matano’s job came under scrutiny when he was handed an ultimatum by the club’s top hierarchy to win the game against champions Gor Mahia which he later lost 2-0. He has gone ahead to suffer defeats against Ulinzi and now Murang’a.
Meanwhile, while Murang’a are enjoying a good life in the top flight, another promoted side Shabana’s poor run of form continued when they lost 2-1 at the Mbaraki Sports Stadium in Mombasa. It was Derrick Nsibambi, who put the Dockers ahead in the 12th minute, and from there on they looked the most likely side to carry the day.
Andrew Juma then fired home the second for Bandari in the 64th minute leaving the travelling Tore Bobe fans in shock. Nehemiah ‘Neymar’ Onchiri scored to set up a tense finish but it was too late for the Kisii-based Glamour Boys as they suffered their third straight defeat in a row.
Since earning promotion, Shabana have now won only one match and are struggling at the basement of the 18-team log. Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars lost 1-0 to Bidco United in a match played at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday. The first half ended goalless but the second half saw an early winning goal from Chris Opondo in the 47th minute.
Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz earned an away win when they beat Muhoroni Youth 2-0. Homeboyz took the lead just before halftime through an Esiye Estone strike. Moses Shummah gave them a 2 goal advantage in the 66th minute. In other matches, league leaders Posta Rangers drew against KCB, and Gor Mahia missed their chance to top the table as they drew against Kenya Police.