Kariobangi Sharks storm GOtv final

Masoud Juma of Kariobangi Sharks (left) celebrates with teammate Michael Bodo after scoring a goal against Sony Sugar in their GOtv Shield semi-final match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on September 24, 2017. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

What you need to know:

  • Kenya international Masoud Juma scored a brace to help Kariobangi Sharks reach the GOtv Shield final after a 2-0 win over Sony Sugar at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Sunday.
  • Sharks await the winner of the second semi-final pitting AFC Leopards and lower-tier side Vihiga United.
  • The William Muluhya coached Sharks deserved to win the match as they played a composed game that saw them qualify for the finals of the tournament for the first time.

Kenya international Masoud Juma scored a brace to help Kariobangi Sharks reach the GOtv Shield final after a 2-0 win over Sony Sugar at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Sunday.

Sharks await the winner of the second semi-final pitting AFC Leopards and lower-tier side Vihiga United.

The William Muluhya coached Sharks deserved to win the match as they played a composed game that saw them qualify for the finals of the tournament for the first time.

Moments after centre referee Judy Muhonja signalled the start of the match, Sharks went on the offensive forcing their experienced opponents to backpedal.

On the half hour mark, Juma, who was undoubtedly the man-of -the-match, put the city lads ahead when he latched on a high ball inside the box to loop over Sony custodian Kevin Omondi.

Juma, who was a thorn in the Sony defence, nearly extended his goal tally in the 37th minute but his blockbuster missed the target by inches.

In the 40th minute, Sharks suffered a set back when Patilah Omoto was injured and replaced by Christopher Kimathi.

Muluhya, who employed a 1-4-3-3 formation, made two quick successive changes bringing in Francis Manoa and Pascal Ogweno for Duke Abuya and Eli Asieche.

Kariobangi Sharks defender Wyclif Otieno nearly made a blunder when his disastrous back pass was miscalculated by goalkeeper John Oyiemba who rushed in good time to block a goal bound shot in the 45th minute.

In the second half, Sony coach Salim Babu introduced Laban Gambareko, Samuel Olare and David Simiyu for Justine Monda, Dennis Odour and Benjamin Moshe.

However, these changes did little to salvage anything for the Awendo-based side.

In the 66th minute, Sharks came close to extending their lead when Sven Yidaa saw his glancing header rise over the cross bar.

Sony's golden opportunity came in the 70th minute when second half substitute Samuel Olare cut in and released a well weighted cross that went just wide.

Ten minutes from time, Juma made sure Sharks qualify for the finals, when he controlled a long pass on the right by full back Paul Kamau and outpaced his marker, entered the danger zone and fired a fierce drive to the roof of the net past goalkeeper Kevin Omondi.

" The boys played according to instructions and I am happy we have qualified for the finals of the tournament for the first time," said Sharks coach Muluhya.

Sony head coach Salimu Babu was shocked by the result and asked assistant coach Collins Omondi to speak to the media.

Omondi conceded that his boys played badly in the first half and failed to sustain their attacking pattern.

" We were not in the game in the first half and we now have to concentrate on the SportPesa Premier league to avoid relegation," said Omondi.