Tusker head coach Robert Matano has rued a missed opportunity to slaughter CS Xfaxien at home after his charges held the Tunisians to a drab barren draw in their Caf Confederations Cup playoffs first leg tie at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Matano asked the brewers' blunt striking force to exercise more composure in front of goal, saying they ought to have finished off the match in Nairobi by capitalizing on the glaring goal-scoring opportunities.
“We must be well organized on the pitch and ensure we play with purpose. We must organize first of all the defence, our midfield, then the frontline,” said Matano.
“We have to play as a team. We need cohesion, urgency in terms of attack, and be more clinical in front of goal,” said Matano.
The gaffer was, however, optimistic is side would exhibit enhanced performance in their return leg fixture in Tunis.
“I think the team is shaping up well, so well. We have some hope and confidence we shall do better,” said Matano.
The match came alive, when neat interchange of crisp passes between Mohammed Salih Ali Soulah and Aymen Harzi almost bore fruits in the 19th minute, only for the resultant effort to swivel inches wide — much to the relief of Brian Bwire in the brewers' goal.
Boniface Muchiri had a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock a minute later, after he pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the pitch, but his ambitious long range effort missed the target by a whisker.
Minutes later, Jackson Macharia thought he had put Tusker ahead when he came on the end of Daniel Sakari's to slam the back of the net, only for the centre referee to chalk the goal off for a handball.
Tusker remained the dominant side until in the 22nd minute when Sfaxien's Aymen Harzi rifled a rasping shot that forced Bwire into a full stretch save.
Then in the 29th minute, the home side squandered yet another chance to go ahead when Muchiri played a short corner to Sakari who in turn whipped in an enticing cross to. However the Tanzanian blasted his effort wide.
Two minutes later, Muchiri was a thorn in the flesh of the Tunisian's once again when his low drive hurtled inches wide with Kaaloul Mohamed Hedi sprawling helplessly on the ground.
In an end-to-end game, the Tunisians were at it again and Justus Kirenge had to effect a timely tackle to slow down Harzi before Eugene Asike swung swiftly into action to clear a goal-bound goal.
The situation turned ugly with only two minutes left to the break after Hillary Wandera was stretchered off and replaced with Kevin Monyi following a nasty elbow dislocation .
Eager for the elusive home win, Matano effected a double substitution, introducing Joseph Njuguna and Teddy Osok for Clyde Senaji and Shami Mwinyi.
With some five minutes left to play for and a goal still not in sight, the gaffer went for a further double change, bringing on Apollo Otieno and Deogratius for Humphrey Mieno and Muchiri.
