• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 6 days ago

Uphill task for Tusker after home defeat to Singida Black Stars in CAF Confederation Cup

Tusker FC have left themselves with little room for error in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The Brewers will now need a strong performance in the return leg in Tanzania, where they must overturn the deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.

The decisive moment came in the 52nd minute when DR Congo winger Jeancy Mboma struck for the visitors, punishing Tusker for failing to convert their earlier chances.

Mboma, who had come on as a substitute, beat his marker before sending in a delivery from the right that deceived Tusker goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga and found its way into the net.

The goal proved enough to hand Singida a valuable away victory and put them in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture.

Tusker had started the match with attacking intent, creating several promising opportunities as they looked to take control of the tie on home soil.

Ian Simiyu came close in the 13th minute, but Singida goalkeeper Amos Yona reacted well to keep out his effort after it took a slight deflection inside the penalty area.

Yona continued to frustrate the hosts, confidently dealing with dangerous crosses and ensuring Singida went into the break without conceding.

Despite their territorial advantage and attacking pressure, Tusker struggled to turn their chances into goals, a weakness that ultimately proved costly.

Singida, meanwhile, showed greater efficiency in front of goal, capitalising on their opportunity before adopting a disciplined defensive approach to protect their lead.

Tusker pushed forward after falling behind, but the visitors remained organised and limited the Brewers' opportunities to find an equaliser. Late attempts, including long balls and set pieces, failed to produce the breakthrough the home side desperately needed.

The result leaves Tusker with a demanding assignment in Tanzania, where they will need to be more clinical in attack while remaining alert to Singida's threat on the counter.

For the Kenyan side, the focus will now shift to finding a way past a disciplined opponent and recovering the ground lost in Nairobi.

Tusker's hopes of progressing remain alive, but their response in the second leg will determine whether their continental campaign continues into the group stage.