Tusker FC's CAF Confederation Cup campaign is over after the Kenyan side were held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania's Singida Black Stars at the Azam Complex on Sunday night, losing the preliminary-round tie 2-1 on aggregate.

The Brewers travelled to Dar es Salaam needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat suffered at Nyayo National Stadium the previous weekend. Despite a bright start and a late fightback, Julien Mette's side could not find the second goal they needed to stay alive in the competition and reach the next stage.

Missed chances prove costly

Tusker began on the front foot and created the better openings in the first half. Striker Steven Etyang twice went close inside the opening ten minutes, first heading a long ball from Ian Simiyu just wide and then volleying narrowly off target, Eastleigh Voice reported.

Hassan Warsama fired over and John Otieno headed wide early in the second half as the visitors pressed for the opener that would have levelled the tie. Singida, however, defended stubbornly and carried a threat of their own, with Exauce Sagesse Nzaou and Ibrahim Imoro both going close and Tusker goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga called into action.

The decisive blow came midway through the second half when Jonathan Sowah converted from close range after a pinpoint cross from Jeancy Mboma, giving the hosts a two-goal aggregate cushion. Reports put the goal between the 65th and 68th minute.

Mbaoma strikes, but too late

Tusker refused to fold. With around ten minutes left, substitute Abud Omar's free kick was spilled by Singida goalkeeper Yona Amosi and, after Warsama won the loose ball, Nigerian forward Victor Mbaoma reacted first to equalise.

The goal set up a frantic finish, but the Kenyan side could not find another breakthrough, and the final whistle confirmed Singida's progress, according to Capital FM and Eastleigh Voice.

What it means for Kenyan football

Tusker earned their place in the Confederation Cup by winning the Mozzart Bet Cup, Kenya's domestic knockout competition. Their exit at the first hurdle is a setback for Kenyan clubs, which have struggled to make an impact in CAF inter-club competitions in recent seasons, and for the country's standing in continental rankings that determine how many slots its clubs receive.

The defeat also underlines the gap that has opened between Kenyan and Tanzanian clubs, whose sides have become regular participants in the later stages of CAF competitions on the back of heavier investment in their domestic league.

For Mette and his players, attention now turns fully to the FKF Premier League, where defending champions Gor Mahia have made a perfect start to the new season and set the early pace at the top of the table.

With the continental distraction gone, Tusker will be expected to mount a serious title challenge at home, where a strong league finish is now their only route back to Africa next season.

Photos: SportPesa News, Eastleigh Voice