The Brewers withstood the hosts’ pressure after David Odoyo’s red card forced them into defending their lead.
Ten-man Tusker ground their way to victory against a relentless Bandari side to claim a crucial three points in their opening league match played at the Mbaraki Grounds in Mombasa on Saturday afternoon.
Bandari started the better of the two sides and should have gone ahead in the 10th minute when James Kinyanjui was set through on goal with a delicious pass from deep in the tenth minute, but he hit his shot wide of the net.
10:00 - 26.08.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia and Tusker lead charged opening day of 2023/24 FKF Premier League season
The FKF Premier League bursts alive as defending champions Gor Mahia lead a day of football fireworks, igniting passionate rivalries.
Bandari had two more chances to open the scoring, but they could not make them count, and they would soon be made to pay for their lack of killer instinct, as Tusker sailed ahead against the run of play in the 42nd minute from a set piece situation.
New signing James Kibande took a corner quickly to fellow newbie John Byamukama, who then floated a cross into the area to his fellow Ugandan who could hardly miss after executing a sweet volley into the back of the net.
18:48 - 24.08.2023
FKFPL Season Preview: Will Tusker’s faith in youth help them make amends for 2022/2023 near misses?
Tusker have let experienced players including captain Humphrey Mieno leave, can they still deliver the 2023/2024 FKFPL title by relying on a new youthful core?
The second half started in rather slow version, but things suddenly changed in the 55th minute when David Odoyo was dismissed for his reckless tackle on Sharrif Amabuwobe
The visitors naturally opted to sit back to defend their lead and play on the counterattack, but in the 75th minute, nearly doubled their lead when Mike Oduor curled in a cross to the back post, setting up Kibande who then nodded it down, but substitute Erick Kapaito volleyed it inches wide.
17:41 - 25.08.2023
FKFPL Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry challenges match recording ban
The Irishman questions FKF ban on teams recording matches, urging reconsideration for tactical analysis purposes.
In the end, Tusker managed to see through the match to win 1-0, giving them a perfect start to the season.
Tusker FC XI: Bwire, Mbugua, B. Onyango, Kibwage, Momanyi, Odoyo, Byamukama, Siwa, Ojok, Mwangi, Kibande
Bandari FC XI: Joseph Ochuka,Amai Asariza,Mohammed Siraj, Juma Andrew, Edward Satulo, Fidel Otieno,Sharif Amubwombe,James Kinyanjui,Abdalla Hassan,Shassiri Nahimana ,Irungu Joseph
10:00 - 20.07.2023
OPINION: Kenya must invest in youth and grassroots football to become a regular World Cup and AFCON side. This is why
If Harambee Stars is to qualify for its first ever World Cup and always go far at the AFCON, this is why it must invest in youth and grassroots football.