Tusker face uphill task in Tanzania after first-leg loss to Singida

The Brewers suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, leaving them needing a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the next round alive.

Head coach Julien Mette made three changes to the starting line-up that featured in Tusker’s FKF Premier League season opener against Ulinzi Stars, dropping defender Francis Otieno, midfielder Stephen Omondi and winger Aboubacar Doumbia.

Aboud Omar, Crisphine Erambo and Abdoulie Joof were brought into the starting XI as Mette sought to strengthen his side for the continental assignment.

The decisive moment came in the 55th minute when Singida exploited space down Tusker’s right flank. The Tanzanian outfit beat right-back Eugene Ikutwa before finishing with a well-struck left-footed effort into the top-left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance.

The goal gave Singida a slender advantage and left Tusker chasing the game as they searched for a response.

With 15 minutes remaining, the Brewers pushed forward in search of an equaliser, earning two free kicks just outside the penalty area. Captain Aboud Omar stepped up to take both set-pieces, but his first attempt sailed over the bar, narrowly missing the top-right corner, before his second effort went inches wide of the far-left post.

Tusker continued to press in the closing stages, with Ian Simiyu seeing his curling effort deflected behind for a corner during the four minutes of added time. However, Singida held on to secure the win and take a crucial advantage into the return fixture.

The Brewers must now find a way past the Tanzanian side on their home turf, with a victory needed to revive their campaign. The margin of victory and the applicable competition rules will determine whether Tusker can progress directly or require a penalty shootout.

Singida will draw confidence from their recent continental experience, having reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in their history during the 2025/2026 season.

They were drawn in Group C alongside Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC and Congo’s AS Otohô, finishing third with five points from six matches.

Sunday’s return leg will be played at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, where Tusker face the challenge of overturning the deficit against a side seeking to protect its advantage and secure progression to the next round.

Match description: Tusker FC travel to Tanzania needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat against Singida Black Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round. The Brewers must deliver a strong performance in Dar es Salaam to keep their continental campaign alive.