Kenyan Premier League side Tusker progressed to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup following their 1-0 victory against Al Ahli Wad Madani from Sudan at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
The slim but deserved victory enabled Tusker to progress on a 3-2 aggregate win, having drawn the first leg 2-2 in Rwanda. Tusker coach Julien Mette opted for an all-attacking starting XI, with new signing from Nigeria, Victor Mbaoma, leading the way.
The former Rivers United forward started up front alongside Fabian Adikiny and Perrauld Ndinga from DR Congo. Ian Simiyu, Collins Ochieng, and John Otieno played behind the strikers, with Stephen Etyang assisting the trio. Aboud Omar, who arrived at Tusker from Kenya Police FC, captained the side and played alongside Chrispine Erambo and Thomas Teka.
Tusker started the brightest side with Simiyu missing a sitter with 14 minutes played. Omar won the ball at the edge of the box and rolled it to Simiyu, but the diminutive winger saw his left-footed shot roll just wide.
The Brewers continued to raid Al Ahli’s goalmouth, and Mbaoma, who last season was the top scorer in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) with 14 goals and four assists, missed another great chance despite being unmarked at the far post.
However, Tusker’s relentless attacks paid off in the 63rd minute when Erambo powered to a brilliant switch from the left and spotted the Al Ahli Wad Madani keeper off the line. The midfielder reacted quickly to lift the ball into an empty net to give the Brewers a lead they deserved.
In the 67th minute, Tusker came close again, this time Mbaoma’s free-kick going over the bar. Tusker are making a return to the competition after four years, with the Brewers last featuring on the continental stage during the 2021/22 season.
