Defiant Okere says Tusker still in title race, decries Talanta defeat

Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere was left ruing missed opportunities as his side succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against FC Talanta in a crucial Football Kenya Federation Premier League [FKF-PL] clash staged at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The loss dealt a blow to the Brewers’ title ambitions but Okere remains optimistic, vowing to fight until the final whistle of the season.

Red-hot striker Emmanuel Osoro gave Talanta an early lead from the penalty spot after Tusker left-back George Kaddu was penalized for handling a goal-bound header from Talanta captain Bernard Odhiambo. Referee Brook Phillip had a clear view and made no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Tusker had a golden chance to level matters in the 32nd minute after Talanta’s Kelvin ‘Taiwo’ Odongo handled the ball in the box from a Charles Momanyi delivery. In-form forward Deogracious Ojok stepped up but his effort was comfortably saved by Talanta goalkeeper Brandon Obiero, allowing the Jackson Gatheru-led side to maintain their slim lead at the break.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Okere, formerly of Vihiga Queens, expressed frustration at his side’s profligacy in front of goal despite dominating possession. The coach pointed to the missed penalty as a turning point.

“It’s not that we are poor in attack—no. We are creating chances, but we are not converting them,” Okere said. “We’re in too much of a hurry to release the ball instead of staying composed and doing what is necessary.”

“We had the chance to get back into the game after conceding early, but we wasted it. We’ve trained on penalties and finishing, yet we failed to capitalize.”

With top scorer Ryan Wesley-Ogam sidelined due to injury, Okere had turned to Tusker Youth captain David Polepole, who impressed with two league goals. However, he was later replaced by the more experienced Ojok, who has netted three times in six matches. Okere admitted the transition in attack remains a work in progress.

“Yes, we are creating, but we need to do more up front. The next three matches are like finals for us. We must sharpen our attack to get the results we need,” he added.

Talanta sealed the win deep in stoppage time through Osoro, who pounced on a defensive lapse by Collins Odhiambo to grab his second of the match and 16th of the season—bringing him level with Kakamega Homeboyz forward Moses Shummah and one ahead of Ryan Ogam.

Despite the defeat, Okere insisted that the title race is still wide open, especially after league leaders Kenya Police fell 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz in Mumias.

“We’re still in the title race. If Police had won, maybe things would be different. But their loss means the gap remains the same, and we still have a chance. We’ll keep pushing until the very end. It’s not over—it’s mathematically possible,” said a defiant Okere.

The Brewers will end their season against Kakamega Homeboyz in Mumias, while Kenya Police will face Gor Mahia away. Okere believes the final day could decide the title—and he’s hopeful Ogam could be available.

“I’m happy that Ogam is back in training. He joined the team this week and morale is high. The matches against Sofapaka and Sharks may come too soon for him, but I might include him in the squad for the final match. That would be a huge boost,” Okere revealed.

 Tusker will travel to face Sofapaka on May 17 before hosting Kariobangi Sharks a week later.

They currently sit second on 55 points from 31 matches—three behind Kenya Police, while Gor Mahia are third with 53 points and two games in hand. K’Ogalo could leapfrog Tusker if they beat bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars Thursday.