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The Tusker team finally rediscovered their form, securing their first win of the season with a tough 1-0 victory against Murang’a Seal at St Sebastian Park on Sunday night.

Previous Premier League top performer Eric Kapaito netted the crucial goal in the 79th minute, helping the Brewers escape the relegation zone.

The victory placed Tusker at 14th position in the standings with five points, whereas Murang’a Seal stays in second-last place with only three points from seven games.

For extended periods, the game remained deadlocked — rugged, intense, and jittery in the sweltering Murang’a afternoon. Then Eric Kapaito, Tusker’s key forward, displayed glimpses of his 2018 excellence.

In the 79th minute, Kapaito seized a bouncing pass from Dennis Oalo, made a quick move past a diving defender, and placed the ball past Seal’s goalkeeper.

It’s been coming,” said Tusker head coach Charles Okere. “We’ve been generating opportunities but not capitalizing. Today, the team demonstrated perseverance and confidence. Kapaito is a leader both on and off the field, and that goal was truly exceptional.

Murang’a Seal, competing in front of their local supporters, began strongly but lost momentum as the game progressed. Their midfield maintained possession, yet they struggled to deliver the decisive pass.

We didn’t maintain our calm in the last third,” acknowledged Don Otieno, head coach of Murang’a Seal. “Tusker arrived with experience, and it was evident. We will regroup and return stronger. It’s still early in the season.

Seal’s strategy, led by experienced Joseph Mbugua, managed to silence Gyapong and Kapaito for the majority of the game until that one mistake became expensive.

Earlier in the day, Mathare United caused a surprise by defeating Shabana FC 1-0 at the Gusii Stadium, handing the Kisii team their second consecutive loss.

Dennis Okoth emerged as the hero, netting in the 38th minute following a swift counterattack that broke through Shabana’s defense. The “Slum Boys,” a nickname for Mathare, displayed strategic intelligence under pressure, tightening their coverage and maintaining their narrow advantage with determination.

I’m proud of the discipline and organization,” said Mathare United’s coach John Kamau. “We were aware that Shabana are a threat at home, but our players remained concentrated. That goal came from teamwork and perseverance.

The victory moved Mathare to fifth position with seven points, tied with Shabana, who continue in fourth place because of a better goal difference.

Shabana FC, who began the season strongly, are now struggling following two consecutive defeats. Their forward line, featuring Vincent Nyabuto and Kelvin Ochieng, showed a lack of precision and imagination.

We were down,” admitted Shabana’s coach, Peter Okidi. “The energy wasn’t present. Perhaps tiredness was a factor, but that’s not a justification. We need to react swiftly if we are to stay in the running.

For Tusker FC, this outcome could be the pivotal moment they required. The brewers, who have won the league multiple times, experienced a weak beginning to the 2025 season, facing difficulties in converting opportunities and keeping a solid defense.

For Tusker FC, this outcome could be the pivotal moment they required. The brewers, who have won the league multiple times, faced a challenging beginning to the 2025 season, finding it difficult to capitalize on opportunities and keep their defense organized.

Okere’s strategic change — using a tight midfield and pushing his fullbacks to make overlapping runs — eventually worked. The partnership between Rice and Zubimendi in the defensive roles brought stability, while Kapaito’s guidance at the front gave the team an extra sharpness.

Occasionally, a single victory is enough to transform everything,” remarked Okere. “The players have regained their belief. Our supporters have been patient — today we have honored that trust.