This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
Tusker Clinch 12th League Title ¶
On Sunday, Tusker were crowned the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) champions, marking the end of Gor Mahia's dominance in the competition.
The brewers secured the title with a 2-1 win over newcomers Bidco United at Utalii Grounds in Nairobi, finishing on 65 points.
Despite KCB's 3-0 thrashing of Nairobi City Stars at Narok Stadium, the bankers could only manage a second-place finish on 62 points, while Bandari finished third on 53 points.
Here, we look at five key matches that contributed to Tusker's 12th league title.
Match 1: Nzoia Sugar 0-0 Tusker (Sudi Stadium) ¶
On August 8, Tusker drew 0-0 with Nzoia Sugar at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma, a result that saw the brewers take their points tally to 51, four above KCB.
With AFC Leopards holding KCB to a 1-1 draw at Thika Stadium, Tusker's draw with Nzoia Sugar cemented their position at the top of the standings.
Match 2: Tusker 2-2 KCB (Thika Stadium) ¶
On July 11, Tusker and KCB clashed in the 24th round of the competition at Thika Stadium, with KCB taking an early 2-0 lead thanks to Derrick Otanga's brace.
However, Tusker's coach Robert Matano made strategic substitutions, bringing in Humphrey Mieno and Jackson Macharia, who helped salvage a point for the brewers in the match.
Matano described the comeback as "... the character of a champion." The draw saw Tusker take their points tally to 51, four above KCB.
Match 3: Tusker 2-0 AFC Leopards (Thika Stadium) ¶
On July 16, Tusker dominated AFC Leopards 2-0 at Thika Stadium, with Chris Ochieng scoring a brace that sank Leopards in the tough clash.
The win saw Tusker maintain their lead on 54 points, six above KCB who were held to a 1-1 draw by Wazito that same weekend.
Match 4: Tusker 2-1 Gor Mahia (Ruaraka Grounds) ¶
On July 8, Tusker rallied from behind to beat Gor Mahia 2-1 at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi, with Eugene Asike scoring a controversial goal at the death to help the brewers claim victory in the match.
The goal raised eyebrows as it resulted from a corner which should have been a goal kick.
Match 5: Ulinzi Stars 1-4 Tusker (Nakuru ASK Showgrounds) ¶
On June 30, Tusker thrashed Ulinzi Stars 4-1 at Nakuru's ASK Showgrounds, clinching the Champions League ticket and maintaining their lead at the top of the table on 47 points, one above KCB.
