Tusker FC's Ian Simiyu (R) is congratulated by teammate Eric Kapaito after scoring against Sofapaka on Sunday/TUSKER Tusker FC moved to second place on the SportPesa League table on Sunday after beating Sofapaka 2-0 at Kasarani Annex, Nairobi, thanks to a second-half brace from Ian Simiyu.
It was sweet revenge for last season’s 7-1 humiliation by Batoto ba Mungu.
The Ruaraka-based brewers needed the win to keep pace with early title contenders. They responded with patience, intensity, and clinical finishing in the final 20 minutes.
Simiyu emerged as the hero of the day after goals in the 70th and 78th minutes.
After a tight first half with few clear chances, Tusker found rhythm after the break.
Simiyu burst down the left flank. He held off his marker. From a tight angle, he unleashed a low shot that slipped between the goalkeeper’s legs and rolled into the net.
The goal sparked confidence across the Tusker side. Eight minutes later, the brewers struck again.
They won possession brilliantly on the right wing and cut the ball back to the edge of the area. Simiyu dummied past two defenders, sending them the wrong way. He then picked his spot and calmly slotted home to make it 2-0.
The victory carried emotional weight. Last season’s 7-1 loss to Sofapaka had lingered in the minds of players and fans alike. This time, Tusker showed maturity and control.
They dominated possession late in the game. They denied Sofapaka space. They protected the clean sheet with authority.
The win not only delivered three points but also restored pride.
Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere lauded his players for their resilience and tactical discipline.
“This was not just another game for us,” Okere said. “The boys remembered what happened last season, but they stayed calm and focused.”
Okere highlighted Simiyu’s impact.
“Ian showed courage and intelligence,” he said. “He waited for the right moments, and when the chances came, he took them with confidence.”
The Tusker coach also pointed to improved game management.
“We controlled the tempo,” Okere said. “In the first half, we were patient. In the second half, we were decisive. That is the mentality of a team that wants to compete at the top.”
Okere added that the league table position was encouraging but warned against complacency.
“Being second means nothing if we relax,” he said. “The season is long, and consistency will define us.”
Sofapaka head coach Ezekiel Akwana expressed disappointment with his team’s second-half collapse.
“We competed well in the first half,” Akwana said. “But at this level, a single mistake changes everything.”
Akwana admitted his side failed to respond after conceding.
“The first goal affected our concentration,” he said. “We did not recover mentally, and Tusker punished us.”
The Sofapaka coach also pointed to missed opportunities.
“We had moments to score,” Akwana said. “If you don’t take your chances against a team like Tusker, you suffer.”
Despite the loss, Akwana remained optimistic.
“This is a young squad,” he said. “They are learning. We will analyse this game and come back stronger.”
Sofapaka, meanwhile, stay in the mid-table zone and will need quick responses in upcoming fixtures.
