NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25- Tusker FC fell further adrift in the title chase, after going down 2-1 to Ulinzi Stars in a tense Kenyan Premier League clash played at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium on Thursday.
Skipper Stephen Ocholla who made a comeback after serving a one-match suspension, struck the winner in the 80th minute, after Evans Amwoka broke the deadlock at the half hour mark.
Ismail Dunga levelled Brewers early in the second half but Franci Kimanzi’s title chasing side could not press the advantage, dropping two crucial points in the end when Ocholla struck to give his head coach, Robert Matano, revenge against the side he led to the title in 2012.
The Brewers remain stuck in third on 42 points, six behind leaders and champions Gor Mahia while the Soldiers cemented fifth spot on 38, three adrift of fourth placed Chemelil Sugar.
A motivated Ulinzi side coming from a 2-0 win against Nakuru All Stars dominated the first half with Steven Waruru rattling the wood work from a John Nairuka corner in the 10th before keeper Samuel Odhiambo rescued another corner that was directed in goal.
But the Brewers skipper could not hold on the third corner that saw Amwoka head home a Kevin Amwayi’s cross for the opener.
The hosts were forced to an early substitution when Amwayi was stretched off with injury for Job Muhati to replace him as they led 1-0 to the break before Dunga gave the Brewers hope when he netted the equaliser.
The KPL takes a breather this weekend for the GOtv Shield quarterfinals where Tusker will get the chance to bounce immediately on Sunday when they take on fading giants and cup champions, AFC Leopards in the highlight tie.
