Goals in either half from Ibrahim Joshua and Eric Zakayo were enough as Tusker rallied to beat Sofapaka 2-0 in an FKF-Premier League match. In a match staged at Kasarani Annex, Sofapaka and Tusker kicked off proceedings at a high tempo with each side looking for an early opener.

At the quarter hour mark, Tusker had the first attempt on goal but Shami Kibwana’s attempt proved little to be an easier pick for Kevin Omondi.

Five minutes later,Tusker threatened yet again through Shami Kibwana but Stephen Okola reacted in time to head out the near post delivery.

At the half hour mark, Sofapaka came close to breaking the deadlock. Titus Achesa picked out Joe Waithera at the edge of the penalty area but keeper Patrick Matasi punched out the forward’s near post attempt.

Six minutes on, Batoto Ba Mungu had another attempt at a Tusker goal. Joe Waithira dribbled into the Tusker penalty area and made a cut back delivery to Lawrence Juma but the captain’s shot missed the target, going wide.

On resumption, the Brewers took the lead through Ibrahim Joshua. The Tanzanian jumped high to head in Shami Kibwana’s delivery past Kevin Omondi.

In the 70th minute, Joe Waithira and Hansel Ochieng linked up well on the right flank. Joe set up Ochieng but the striker failed to put the ball past Matasi.

Ten minutes from time, Said Tsuma delivered a low teasing cross to Alex Imbusia. The midfielder dribbled into Tusker’s defense but his final ball hit the side net.

Against the run of play, second substitute Eric Zakayo curled the ball in past Omondi Kevin to double Tusker’s lead.

Sofapaka vs Tusker: Preview, stats, numbers and team news.

Batoto Ba Mungu faces Robert Matano’s Tusker Fc on Friday in round 19 of the FKF Premier League fixture.

Sofapaka returned to winning ways a fortnight ago with a 2-1 win over Wazito, while the brewers settled for a point against Ulinzi Stars.

Form guide
Tusker is the better side, having won three of the last four fixtures, while Sofapaka won once and drew three other fixtures. Sofapaka sit tenth in the log on 24 points, while our opponents, the brewers, are sixth on 30 points.

Numbers
A sum of 20 encounters were played between the two sides. Of the twenty matches, Sofapaka won ten while our opponents won six. Ten other fixtures ended in draws.

Goals
A total of 30 goals have been scored with an average of three goals per match.

Team News
Geoffrey Ojunga has recovered in time for Friday’s match, while Brandon Obiero will miss the encounter. Wilberforce Lugogo and Sammy Kiplangat have resumed group training.

Reverse fixture
In a closely battled tie in December 2021, the two teams settled for a point each in an encounter staged at Ruaraka grounds.

The match will be staged at Kasarani Annex.

Coach Ken Odhiambo faced the club’s media for a team briefing ahead of Friday’s encounter.

The boss discussed the Tusker duel, team preparations, team news and the top five chances.

Read on to get all the details from the presser:

On team preparations..

We had about two weeks of rest and we really utilized the fourteen-day break to strengthen our midfield supply and final third. We have progressed well and I believe we are in good shape for Friday.

On the Tusker duel..

Friday’s encounter will be a massive one for us because we look on building on a Wazito win. The Brewers are on some good run in the last four league encounters and this only means we will have to step up more to get the full points.

On team news..

We have two fresh injury concerns ahead of Friday. We lost Brandon Obiero who suffered a calf injury on Saturday while taking on Kariobangi Sharks in a build-up match and definitely will miss the fixture. Geoffrey Ojunga is another concern, having suffered a sprain on his right ankle in one of our training sessions. He is a doubt for Friday’s duel though he will be subject to, a late fitness test. However, we are glad to have Sammy Kiplangat and Wilberforce Lugogo back in the squad.

On top five chances..

Top five chances is a huge possibility for us, we are six points off it and 13 off the top spot. I believe once we get the rhythm we will be able to close in and challenge for the title, because it is not a done affair yet.

On consistent two-week league breaks..

The two-week league breaks were initially meant for the cup games, but since that is not taking place, the breaks should be stopped. It is not healthy for us and I trust so too, for most teams. It slows down the momentum of the league.

Ahead of Friday’s encounter against the brewers, here is the latest from our medical department on Brandon Obiero, Geofrey Ojunga, Sammy Kiplangat and Wilberforce Lugogo.

Brandon Obiero (calf)

The midfielder suffered a Gastrocnemius medialis injury on Saturday during a friendly match against Kariobangi Sharks. The youngster is expected to be out for two weeks.

Geoffrey Ojunga(ankle sprain)

Ojunga suffered an ankle sprain in one of the training sessions and will face a late fitness test ahead of the Tusker clash.

Sammy Kiplangat(foot)

The holding midfielder has successfully recovered from a foot injury and resumed training with the rest of the squad.

Wilberforce Lugogo. (meniscus)

The team has been boosted by the return of Wilberforce Lugogo. The midfielder has been out for two months having gone under the knife to have a meniscus tear correction on his left knee.

Bandari beat Sofapaka 1-0 in a closely fought tie in Wundayi.

Danson Chetambe’s strike five minutes from time was the difference as Bandari beat Sofapaka in round 12 of the FKF-Premier League fixture.

Bandari were the brighter side in the opening minutes of the match. Two quick counter attacks proved dangerous but a Sofapaka defended well.

At the quarter-hour mark Joe Waithira quick shot on goal almost gave the host the lead but Joseph Okoth reacted in time to punch out the danger

Five minutes later David Nshimirimana thought he had given the host the lead but his goal from Juma’s delivery but the defender was judged to have fouled custodian Okoth.

Five minutes after the half hour mark, Bandari came close to take the lead through Felly Mulumba but Stephen Okola reacted quickly to clear out the danger.

On resumption, coach Odhiambo introduced Hansel Ochieng for Sebastien Sunday, the striker came in and added a lot pace upfront in quest for the opener. Ochieng and Juma linked up on the left-wing, Juma set Ochieng through but his last attempt missed the target from close range

On the half hour mark,a good interplay by Waithera and Juma, the latter set through Waithera but the striker failed to convert from a close range.

Ten minutes from time custodian Frederick Odhiambo made a perfect save to deny Danson Chetambe from a decent delivery.

Against the run of play the visitors took the lead through Danson Chetambe from a 25 yard free kick.

Sofapaka will be at home for the first time in year when they host Mombasa based side Bandari FC on the 4th January in round 12 of the FKF-Premier League fixture.

In a match that will be closely contested, below is preview of all you need to know ahead of Tuesday.

Form

Ahead of the Tuesday fixture, 2009 champions Sofapaka and Bandari head into the match on a good form. Both teams head into Tuesday encounter having won one and drawn two in their last three league fixtures. A point separates the two teams on the log, Bandari sit fourth while Sofapaka in sixth place on 19 and 18 points respectively.

Key men

Hansel Ochieng goal scoring touch keeps growing and the former AFC Leopards man will once again be at the picture on Tuesday. Captain Lawrence Juma and Joe Waithira will equally be tasked upfront while our opponents will bank on Ugandan duo William Wadri and Umaru Kasumba in search for goals.

Goals

In the last 8 meetings, a total of 19 goals have been scored with an average of three goals per match.

Reverse fixture

In an entertaining match in the last meeting, Keegan Ndemi header denied Sofapaka full points as the two teams played to a two all draw.

The match will be played on Tuesday 4th January at Wundanyi Stadium.

Sofapaka head coach, Ken Odhiambo is upbeat ahead of round 12 fixture against Mombasa based side Bandari Football Club.

The tactician who has been away due to family related affair has expressed confidence ahead of the clash on Tuesday, here is what the manager had to say;

On facing Bandari
We are facing a stronger opponent on Tuesday in an important match for the club. A lot is at stake and a win will get us with top three places on the log. Bandari is a good side, they have had a good run and this makes the clash a tough one, nonetheless we are at home and we must give our best.

On what Bandari win will mean to the club.
We had set our targets this season though we struggled at the beginning of the season, however we have had a good run in December and we want to carry on with the momentum. Win against Bandari will boost our title chase, this makes it so important to us and we must be at our best on Tuesday.

On decent run in December
I want to thank the players and the technical bench for their cooperation that enabled us register three wins and two draws. This manifest on consistency and we want to keep on with the rhythm in future assignments.

On title chances
We are still several matches to go but going with the recent run, I believe we shall stand a chance if we continue with the same spirit.

On team news
We are glad to have everyone available except for Wilberforce Lugogo and Geoffrey Ojunga who are out due to knee injury and malaria respectively.” Odhiambo concluded

Injury update

Ahead of Bandari match,here is the latest from our medical department.

Ahead of the midweek clash, there is only one fresh injury concern in Wilberforce Lugogo. The midfielder on loan from Bandari is out due to a knee injury while Ambrose Sifuna,David Kingatua, Hamid Mohamed and Kevin Omondi are all fully recovered.

Wilberforce Lugogo
The midfielder on loan from Bandari becomes our latest injured squad member. He sits out due to a knee injury

Geoffrey Ojunga
The midfielder will yet again miss Bandari match as he continues with recovery from Malaria

David Kingatua
The midfielder who missed Bullets clash due to a thigh injury has fully recovered and will be in contention on Tuesday.

Kevin Omondi
After a fortnight out, custodian Kevin Omondi has fully recovered and will be available ahead of the Tuesday tie.

Ambrose Sifuna
Midfielder Ambrose Sifuna has resumed group training with rest of the squad. The midfielder who has been out for close to a month will be available for selection.

The match will be staged in Wundanyi on Tuesday

Sofapaka beat Vihiga Bullets 2-0 in Bukhungu.

Lawrence Juma and Hansel Ochieng goals were enough as Sofapaka fought hard to end the year on a high run.

Vihiga Bullets were the brighter side in the opening minutes of the match but failed to take the lead after Kajuba failed to bury the ball past Odhiambo

Ten minutes into the match Sofapaka came close to take the lead but Roy Okal’s effort had to much power

At the quarter-hour mark, Lawrence Juma had his one on one attempt punched back to play by the goal keeper.

At the stroke of half hour mark, 2009 champions took the lead through Lawrence Juma. The captain converted from the spot after Joe Waithera had been brought down

Five minutes from end of the first half, Joe Waithera almost doubled Sofapaka:s lead but the midfielder failed to head into an empty with the keeper already beaten at goal

On resumption the host began the match on a high tempo in quest to get the equalizing goal, partly ten minutes into the second half, Martin Oduor comes close to draw the host level but Odhiambo reacted to punch out the danger

At the hour mark substitute Hansel Ochieng had a perfect run into the penalty but his last attempt was cleared off the line.

Ten minutes on, Titus Achesa delivered in a beautiful ball into the penalty area to Randy Manga,the Congolese header missed the target by a whisker with the keeper well beaten.

Five minutes from time substitute Hansel Ochieng had a decent solo run before curling past the custodian to double our lead.

The win pushes Sofapaka to sixth place on the log on 18 points

Sofapaka will take on newly promoted side Vihiga Bullets on the 29th December in round ten of the FKF-Premier League fixture.

In a match that will be the first to played between the two teams, below is a preview of all you need to know ahead of the mid-week fixture.

Form
Ahead of the midweek fixture, 2009 champions Sofapaka head into the match on a good form having won three and drawn two in the last five encounters while our opponents, Bullets have lost eight and drawn two. 13 points separates the two teams who are placed eighth and 20th on the log.

Key men
Lawrence Juma, Joe Waithira and Hansel Ochieng will be key in our quest for the three points upfront

The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 29th December at Bukhungu Stadium.