Sofapaka oust holders Leopards to book Sharks in Shield final

Sofapaka midfielder Kevin Kimani (right) races past AFC Leopards midfielder Baker Lukooya during their SportPesa Shield semi-final match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on September 23, 2018. Sofapaka won 1-0 to join Kariobangi Sharks in the final. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Asieche, who rested Piston Mutamba on 64 minutes, saw his 20-yard volley cannon off the upright but he reacted fast to bury the rebound after Ingwe defenders failed to clear their lines

  • Yusuf Mohammed came to Batoto ba Mungu’s rescue at the death clearing the ball off the line after Alex Orotomal had beaten Sofapaka goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya

  • Sh2 million prize money and a ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup at stake in the final slated for October 20

Kariobangi Sharks will meet Sofapaka in this year’s SportPesa Shield final on October 20 with a Sh2 million prize money and a ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup at stake.

Asieche, who replaced Piston Mutamba on 64 minutes, saw his 20-yard volley cannon off the upright but he reacted fast to bury the rebound after Ingwe defenders failed to clear their lines.

Yusuf Mohammed came to Batoto ba Mungu’s rescue at the death clearing the ball off the line after Alex Orotomal had beaten Sofapaka goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya.

Leopards will now battle it out for Sh750,000 with Ulinzi Stars in the third-place playoff match or settle for Sh500,000 in case they lose on October 20.

Sofapaka defender Omar Mousa, suspended in this cup game due to accumulation of two yellow cards, was replaced by Humphrey Okoti minutes to kick off after a tussle between the two teams’ officials leading to a 15-minute delay.

Fifa referee Anthony Ogwayo blew the opening whistle and two minutes later Whyvonne Isuza hit the side netting from the right flank.

Sofapaka reacted quickly to win a free kick in a prime position after Duncan Otieno fouled Umaru Kasumba while attempting to clear Kevin Kimani's corner kick. However Stephen Waruru sent his effort over the bar.

In the tenth minute, Isuza sent a cross into the box in search of Marvin Nabwire whose first time volley flew high over the bar.

Sofapaka forward Piston Mutamba (right) evades a tackle from AFC Leopards midfielder Said Tsuma as Brian Marita closes in during their SportPesa Shield semi-final match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on September 23, 2018. Sofapaka won 1-0 to join Kariobangi Sharks in the final. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kimani initiated a lovely interchange with Piston Mutamba on 16 minutes to tee up Kepha Aswani but the former AFC Leopards forward’s shot from the edge was comfortably gathered by Ezekiel Owade in the Ingwe goal.

By the 20th minute, Kimani had stolen the show putting in an enterprising shift as he easily found space in Leopards' midfield causing them trouble in the final third.

His weighted pass from the right flank two minutes to the breather found Kasumba whose header ricocheted off the crossbar much to the chagrin of Sofapaka bench led by coach John Baraza.

Ezekiel Odera had a flurry of chances in front of goal in the second half but they were thwarted by a Sofapaka defence line led by Okoti.

Ingwe coach Rodolfo Zapata added punch to his squad in the second half by bringing in Orotomal for Edward Seda and Saad Musa for Said Tsuma on 63 and 81 minutes but it was a little too late to produce the equalizer.