Obiero's error seals three points for Nairobi United in clash against Tusker

A goalkeeping error from Brandon Obiero proved costly as Tusker failed to momentarily climb top of the league standings following a 1-0 defeat to Nairobi United at St. Sebastian Park in Murang'a on Wednesday, 17 December.

Coming off the back of three straight wins without conceding, Charles Okere's side headed to the mid-week fixture with a chance of going top, but were stopped on their tracks when their dependable keeper let an 11th minute long-range strike get past him, a moment that defined the match, and saw The Brewers drop their first game since 22 November.

The goal came from a harmless corner that was deflected into the path of Harambee Stars left-back Kelvin Otiende, who from miles out, rifled a shot that Obiero meekly flapped against the post, and over the line.

The gaffe, which was the second from a Tusker keeper since Brian Opondo missed a backpass against Gor Mahia, saw the hosts lose their fifth game this season to remain third on the log with 21 points.

Nairobi United, on the other hand, ended a run of five games without a win in all competitions to leap to 10th on 16 points.

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Match Report

Okere was clearly the man of the moment when Tusker beat Sofapaka to get his side a third win on the trot that put them joint top.

A season that began with early losses to KCB and Posta Rangers had turnt, but will be disappointed with the latest set-back, which one could argue was preventable.

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That is full marks to Nicholas Muyoti's Naibois, however, who kicked off the tie in ernest, and were awarded for their pressure when Obiero made a holics of a ball sent straight to his gloves from Otiende.

The former Sofapaka shot-stopper, who had garnered praise from Okere in recent weeks, was visibly struggling moments later, as he gave away possession twice, and was lucky to see Michael Karamor and Duncan Ochieng shoot wide when clear.

Tusker, meanwhile, labored to find their rythm, and it was only after the break when chances fell for them, but that was after Enock Machaka had missed an easy header in the 42nd minute, with Ovella Ochieng hitting the side-netting at the stroke of halftime.

Vincent Owino proved to be the main source of inspiration for Tusker in a rather slow second period, as he shot straight at Ernest Mohammed seconds after the break, and nearly found the net with nine minutes left.

In between those attempts, The Brewers also saw Fabian Adikiny shoot wide from range in the 48th minute, substitute Eric Kapaito send his acrobatic strike at the hour mark to Mohammed, with Charles Momanyi heading wide in the last minute of stoppage time.

Naibois, who had their defense on top, on any other day, would have rued Ovella's missed opportunity in the 61st minute when he rattled the bar, but it fortunately did not matter.

Obiero had given them the help they needed.