Matano explains how Tusker nullified AFC Leopards to end their 10-match unbeaten run

Tusker FC coach Robert Matano (right) and his AFC Leopards counterpart Tomas Trucha. Photo: Tusker FC

FOOTBALL Matano explains how Tusker nullified AFC Leopards to end their 10-match unbeaten run

Joel Omotto 07:00 - 11.03.2024

Tusker coach Robert Matano has revealed the tactical plan behind his team’s victory against AFC Leopards which ended Ingwe’s unbeaten run in 2024.

Tusker coach Robert Matano has expressed his delight at how his tactical plan to deny AFC Leopards space worked to his team’s advantage.

Tusker secured a slim 1-0 victory at the Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday after capitalising on a defensive mix-up in the Leopards box to claim all three points which saw them return to second place on the table, and now seven points behind leaders Gor Mahia.

That was the only time either team threatened with neither side getting a sniff at goal. Leopards had come into the contest as the form team of 2024, having not lost any of their eight matches in the new year, and had not also conceded over that period.

Matano admitted Tusker were well aware of how Ingwe play and ensured they denied them space to run into to nullify their threats.

“It was difficult but our aim was to win which we managed and we are satisfied,” Matano told Azam TV.

“It was a very close contest because both teams have the same strength. We did not have many spaces to run into but we also we closed them down well. They did not have spaces to run and today, they did not get their chances as usual and that was our plan.”

Leopards’ dangerman Hassan Beja, who has been key to their good form, was one of those who were not given space by Tusker and with him closed down, Ingwe lacked an outlet.

That forced striker Arthur Gitego to drop deep on a number of times as he had no space to run in behind the Tusker defence, while Clifton Miheso, who has been a bright spot recently, also failed to sparkle.

Defeat soured Leopards’ 60th anniversary celebrations and coach Tomas Trucha and his charges will have to regroup and go again after the international break with tricky league matches against Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, Gor Mahia and Bandari up next.

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