Kariobangi Sharks knock out Sofapaka

Sofapaka's Ezekiel Okare (right) tackles Kariobangi Sharks' Pius Kamau during their GOtv Shield match on July 23, 2017 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Paul Kamau scored a goal and provided an assist for Kariobangi Sharks as they beat Sofapaka 3-1 on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium to advance to the quarterfinals of the GOtv Shield tournament.
  • Kamau scored in the 31st minute before assisting Kenyan international Masoud Juma in one of his two goals as the league debutants eliminated Sofapaka from the tournament. Umaru Kasumba scored the sole goal for Batoto ba Mungu.

Paul Kamau scored a goal and provided an assist for Kariobangi Sharks as they beat Sofapaka 3-1 on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium to advance to the quarterfinals of the GOtv Shield tournament.

Kamau scored in the 31st minute before assisting Kenyan international Masoud Juma in one of his two goals as the league debutants eliminated Sofapaka from the tournament. Umaru Kasumba scored the sole goal for Batoto ba Mungu.

In the absence of first choice custodian Mathias Kigonya (who is currently with the SportPesa All Stars team on a tour of Spain), George Opiyo stepped in on goal for Sofapaka but doled out a performance worth forgetting.

Prior to Kamau's first goal, Opiyo had twice been caught out of position, and he needed the help of his defenders to avert danger by making goal like clearances.

There was however no luck for him in the 31st minute as Kamau, seeing him standing a yard away from the box, looped the ball over him and sent it rolling calmly inside the net

In the same manner, Juma managed to draw Opiyo out in the 55th minute, before sending a low cross into the net to double the scores for the sharks.

Juma completed his brace four minutes to the end of regulation time, this time taking advantage of the poorly arranged Batoto ba Mungu defence to shoot home.

There was however time still left for 2014 champions Sofapaka to get a consolation goal and they did so in the 88th minute, Umaru Kasumba beating Robert Mboya from close range.

For their premature ouster in the tournament, Sofapaka will blame only themselves, as they failed to make use of the many chances they got especially in the first half.

Ezekiel Okare and Michael Oduor had good chances in the 14th and 30th minutes respectively, but they were inaccurate on both occasions and failed to make any impact on the scoreline.

An impressed Sharks coach William Muluya said his team triumphed due to their relaxed approach to the match.

"The players came to do what they have been learning in training, and they played without nerves or pressure. That's what worked for us.

"We are missing three players but the ones who've played today have proven that they are good enough. Someone like Kamau hasn't been playing often yet he has scored today. That's quite impressive," he said.

AFC Leopards will play their round of 16 game on Wednesday against Bidco United at Nyayo Stadium. Their game had been postponed last week due to the fact that three of their players are also currently in Spain with the SportPesa All Stars.