Tusker’s title dreams now lie in ruins after suffering one of the most crushing defeats in recent Kenyan Premier League memory a humiliating 7-1 drubbing at the hands of a ruthless Sofapaka side on Sunday.
Sofapaka, nicknamed Batoto ba Mungu, were unstoppable from the first whistle at Dandora Stadium, dictating the game’s tempo and punishing every Tusker mistake with clinical precision. Edward Omondi got the ball rolling in the 12th minute with a composed finish after Tusker’s backline failed to deal with a flowing move.
The early goal rattled the Brewers, and it didn’t take long before their fragile defense was breached again. Wayne Otieno, affectionately referred to as “Messi” by fans due to his silky skills, doubled Sofapaka’s advantage in the 28th minute with a clever strike. That goal marked a breaking point for the increasingly frustrated Tusker faithful, who began chanting “Okere must go” in protest of their under-fire head coach.
Sofapaka sensed blood and refused to take their foot off the gas. Jack Onganya made it 3-0 in the 37th minute, capitalizing on yet another defensive lapse, before adding a fourth in first-half stoppage time with a well-taken effort that left Tusker’s goalkeeper stranded. By halftime, the match was already beyond Tusker’s reach.
After the break, there was little sign of a response from the visitors. Although they managed to briefly claw one back during a rare attacking spell, the goal did little to alter the momentum of the game. Moments later, Sofapaka restored their four-goal cushion after Rodgers Kipkemoi won and calmly converted a penalty in the 64th minute to make it 5-1.
With Tusker utterly demoralized, the floodgates opened again in the dying moments of the match. Edward Omondi grabbed his second in the 91st minute before Jack Onganya completed his hat-trick just before the final whistle, sealing a stunning 7-1 victory that will be remembered as one of Sofapaka’s most dominant performances in years.
For Tusker, the defeat is a catastrophic blow not only to their title ambitions but also to their reputation as one of the league’s elite clubs. The pressure is now mounting on the technical bench, with fans demanding answers and changes.
Meanwhile, as Tusker unraveled, Kenya Police quietly strengthened their position at the top with a gritty 1-0 win over FC Talanta in Machakos. David Simiyu scored the match’s only goal in the 15th minute, latching onto a pinpoint pass from Charles Ouma to slot past the keeper.
The Law Enforcers displayed control and tactical discipline throughout the match. Bajaber Mohammed nearly added a second, but his effort was dramatically cleared off the line in the 24th minute. Later forced off through injury, his absence did not derail Kenya Police, who showed resilience in closing out the game.
Coach Ettiene Ndayiragije made effective tactical substitutions in the second half, introducing Kenneth Muguna and Marvin Nabwire to shore up midfield and protect the narrow lead. Their defensive organization and game management were evident as they saw out the win.
With Gor Mahia’s title push fading and Tusker’s collapse now complete, Kenya Police appear to be marching steadily toward a historic league title. Their consistency, focus, and tactical discipline have made them the standout team in a season of turbulence and unpredictability. The dream of lifting their first-ever top-flight crown is fast becoming a very real possibility.
