Oduor grabs winner against Homeboyz as Tusker close gap on Gor Mahia

The full time whistle at a packed Ruaraka Stadium provided much delight to the Tusker fans present as the Brewers stormed to their 18th win of the season; coming in the way of a slim 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz.

Mike Oduor's tame shot in the 45th minute sneaked in between the legs of Homeboyz keeper Farouk Shikhalo - the moment proving vital in a game that Tusker needed to remain in title contention.

"That was a really tough match as we expected," Tusker head coach Robert Matano said post-game, rocking a not so familiar official look. "Good game however from the players for showing the fight and seeing out the result. They played well."

After Gor Mahia's draw with Wazito, Tusker are now two points behind the former with six matches to play.

The visitors- fresh from last week's victory over Wazito and unbeaten in their last five - were seemingly out to make a statement early into the game and offered Tusker, a juggernaut at home, few opportunities to settle in.

Hillary Juma was a constant threat on the Tusker left side, giving Levin Odhiambo something to think about in the opening quarter of the first half.

Enock Agwanda thought he should have been awarded a penalty after Thomas Teka took a hit at him just inside the box. The call was for play to continue, much to the amusement of the travelling fan section.

Tusker's first chance at goal would come 22 minutes into the game when Levin Odhiambo struck his right-foot freekick way over the bar.

Tusker had managed to ride through the heavy Homeboyz onslaught and soon enough, a sweeping move on the left saw David Odoyo link up brilliantly with Erick Zakayo.

The former levitated, stepping up with a powerful right foot shot that just went over.

Levin Odhiambo then thought he had committed a costly error when he was caught out by Christopher Masinza at the back-post - his effort being deflected wide.

A quiet first half suddenly spark to life deep in first half added time when Tusker's Mike Oduor strolled with the ball on the right and hit an arguably tame shot goalwards.

On any other day the chance wouldn't pose any danger to the opposing keeper, but it did for Farouk Shikhalo.

The former Bandari custodian went low to collect, but the ball took an awkward bounce, slipping in between his legs to send the home fans into big celebrations that persisted as the team made their way to the locker rooms at the half.

The start to the second was nothing different as Paul Odhiambo's side came out with another dose of attacking football, forcing Tusker to defend deep in their half, bar a one-on-one half chance that resulted into Deogratious Ojok colliding with the Homeboyz keeper.

A double substitution to bring on Vincent Ogola and Dennis Sikhayi for the visitors looked to uplift the side when the former forced a corner that was repelled by Tusker's load of blockers.

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The resulting corner had fans in disbelief thanks to an overly-worked shot from skipper Brian Chaka sailed over the bar while it looked destined to kiss the open net.

The last fifteen minutes of the tough matchup would lead up to the home side locking the game, Tusker showing why they have one of the best defenses in the country.

As added time clocked at the end, it looked inevitable that Tusker were making a giant step towards the title, a few murmurs in the ground turning to complete ecstasy at full-time.

Tusker had navigated a tough week and made ground while those around them faltered.

STARTING XI.

Tusker FC.

Brian Bwire, Daniel Sakari, Charles Momanyi, Thomas Teka, Levin Odhiambo, Humphrey Mieno, Michael Oduor, David Odoyo, Eric Zakayo, Deogratious Ojok, Shaphan Siwa.

Kakamega Homeboyz.

Farouk Shikhalo, Collins Odhiambo, Ambrose Sifuna, Robinson Kamura, Brian Eshihanda, Enock Agwanda, Portipher Odhiambo, Chris Masinza, Hillary Otieno, Felician Okanda, Hillary Wandera.