Tusker FC’s Kapaito Faces Early Pressure After Missed Penalty in SportPesa League Opener

The 2025/26 SportPesa League season began on a dramatic note for Tusker FC striker Erick Kapaito, who found himself under the spotlight after missing a crucial penalty during their season opener against KCB FC on September 19, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

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Match Overview: KCB 2-0 Tusker FC

• Final Score: KCB FC 2 – 0 Tusker FC
• Scoring: Boniface Omondi scored a first-half brace for KCB, sealing the win.
• Penalty Miss: Kapaito failed to convert a second-half penalty that could have reduced the deficit and ignited Tusker’s comeback hopes.

The game was a tough initiation for Tusker’s new season, with many fans and analysts pointing to Kapaito’s missed spot-kick as a turning point in the match.

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Key Moments and Tactical Review

• Boniface Omondi’s Impact: The former Gor Mahia winger was lethal in front of goal, his two decisive strikes showcasing excellent positioning and finish.
• Kapaito’s Missed Chances: Earlier in the match, Kapaito came close to scoring twice before the penalty miss, indicating a day where the striker struggled for composure.
• Penalty Incident: The penalty was awarded after KCB’s Nashon Wekesa handled the ball in the box, but the subsequent kick from Kapaito soared over the crossbar, leaving Tusker unable to close the gap.
• Tusker’s Performance: Despite the loss, Tusker showed phases of promising play, with new signings integrating into the squad, but lacking the finishing touch required to capitalize.

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Coach Charles Okere’s Assessment

Tusker coach Charles Okere defended his striker amid the backlash:

“Kapaito is a top striker, somebody who scores important goals for the team. Today was just a bad day in the office for him, but I believe he will bounce back and score if given another chance.”

Okere acknowledged the team’s shortcomings:

“It was a tricky encounter against a strong KCB team. We created chances but did not make the most of them. We need to improve our scoring as the season progresses.”

On the new signings and team cohesion, Okere added:

“Our new players are adjusting well; with more training and game time, cohesion will improve.”

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Fan and Public Reaction

• Social media was rife with mixed reactions, with some Tusker fans calling for Kapaito to be replaced as the penalty taker.
• Several supporters expressed disappointment but also encouraged patience for the striker’s comeback.
• Analysts emphasize that penalty misses, though costly, are common in football and should not define a player’s career.

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Kapaito’s Career Background

• Erick Kapaito is a two-time Kenyan Premier League Golden Boot winner and one of Kenya’s most reliable strikers.
• Known for his clinical finishing in previous seasons with Kariobangi Sharks and Tusker, Kapaito’s experience is crucial for Tusker’s title ambitions.
• His penalty miss marks an uncharacteristic lapse, increasing the early pressure to deliver in subsequent matches.

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Looking Ahead: Tusker’s Next Steps

• Tusker will seek redemption in their upcoming match against Posta Rangers on Saturday, aiming to secure their first points of the season.
• Kapaito is expected to retain penalty duties based on the coach’s expressed confidence.
• The team’s ability to adapt, improve finishing, and gel with new players will be key to rebounding from this early setback.