The Brewers host Singida Black Stars at Nyayo as they pursue a first-leg lead before the return match in Dar es Salaam.
Tusker FC host Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars at Nyayo National Stadium on October 18, targeting a continental breakthrough. The CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg kicks off at 3pm East African Time.
The Brewers aim to build an advantage in Nairobi before travelling to Tanzania for the decisive return fixture. That match takes place on October 25 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
A place in the group stage is at stake, but Tusker face opponents with recent experience at that level. Singida reached the competition’s group stage last season and now seek another appearance.
Tusker FC enter tie with league boost
Tusker approach the match after beating Ulinzi Stars 2-0 in their SportPesa League opener. Alvin Mang’eni and Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma scored, giving the team encouragement before their continental assignment.
However, their opening Confederation Cup tie demanded a much tighter finish. The Brewers overcame Sudan’s Al Ahli Wad Madani 3-2 on aggregate after drawing the first leg 2-2.
Chrispine Erambo then scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 return-leg victory at Nyayo. That result kept Tusker’s campaign alive and set up the meeting with Singida.
Coach Julien Mette has urged his players to combine confidence with tactical discipline against the Tanzanian visitors. He acknowledged Singida’s quality, pointing to their previous-round results as evidence of the challenge ahead.
However, Mette also stressed that Tusker have strengths of their own. He encouraged the players to respect their opponents while believing in their ability to compete.
Singida bring scoring threat to Nairobi
Singida advanced from the opening round with a commanding 10-1 aggregate victory over South Sudan’s Al-Ghazala Wau. Their scoring record adds to the challenge for a Tusker defence that conceded twice in its opening tie.
However, the visitors arrive following a 1-0 league loss to Coastal Union. They now turn their attention back to continental competition after that domestic setback.
Before travelling to Kenya, Singida held a brief training camp in Arusha. The camp formed part of their preparations and efforts to acclimatise for the first leg.
Players express confidence before home test
Tusker midfielder Thomas Teka acknowledged the team’s limited familiarity with Singida but maintained that the Brewers were ready. Goalkeeper Brian Bwire also expressed confidence in their preparations after a week of hard work.
The hosts will therefore seek a positive result that gives them a lead to defend in Tanzania. Home support offers an opportunity, although Singida’s attacking record underlines the need for discipline.
The tie also carries significance for Kenyan football following Gor Mahia’s elimination from the CAF Champions League. Tusker remain in contention for a Confederation Cup group-stage place, with Singida standing between them and that goal.
