Sony Sugar sink Vihiga United in GOtv Shield playoff

Vihiga United defender Kevin Sagide vies for the ball with Sony Sugar's Justine Monday during the GOtv Shield third place playoff at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 20, 2017. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO |

What you need to know:

  • Ugandan George Abege cancelled out Amos Kigadi’s 39th minute opener in the 58th minute before promising midfielder Benjamin Mosha netted the winner with a curling shot that beat goalkeeper Frankline Mwenda.
  • The win saw Sony pocket Sh750,000 prize money for finishing third in the domestic cup competition.
  • National Super League side Vihiga pocketed half a million shillings.

SportPesa Premier League side Sony Sugar on Friday clipped Vihiga United 2-1 in the GOtv Shield third place play off at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Ugandan George Abege cancelled out Amos Kigadi’s 39th minute opener in the 58th minute before promising midfielder Benjamin Mosha netted the winner with a curling shot that beat goalkeeper Frankline Mwenda.

Vihiga United striker Amos Kigadi celebrates his goal against Sony Sugar during the GOtv Shield third place playoff at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 20, 2017. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Vihiga United players celebrate their goal against Sony Sugar in the GOtv Shield third place playoff staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 20, 2017. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The win saw Sony pocket Sh750,000 prize money for finishing third in the domestic cup competition.

National Super League side Vihiga pocketed half a million shillings.

“We are happy because we came for the money. December is fast approaching and players need motivation at this time of the year. We started on a bad note but I told my players at the break to come back with more vigour because football is business," Sony coach Salim Babu said.

His opposite number Edward Manoah said his boys lacked composure in front of goal in a game they could have killed off in the first half.

“It has always been a problem converting our chances because my boys are shy in front of goal. Had we scored two or three goals in the first 30 minutes, then we would have emerged winners,” lamented Manoah.

Vihiga took a commanding charge in the first half. Veteran Charles Okwemba won a free kick in the sixth minute following a foul by David Simiyu but shot wide off the mark.

Kevin Sagide unleashed a volley off Kigadi's cross but Sony goalkeeper Kevin Otieno did well to punch out for a fruitless corner. Sony’s first sniff at goal came a minute after the break.

Victor Ademba delivered a beauty of a pass to the 18-yard box, Mosha did well well to control but his attempt was denied by Mwenda.

Eight minutes later, Kigadi lurched onto a pass from Sagide and while inside the area, outmuscled his marker Justine Omar before releasing a rasping shot into the back of the net.

Babu made changes at the break pulling out Joseph Omweri for Yema Mwana and later Amos Asembeka coming on for Monda. It was Asembeka’s pass from the left flank that Abege tapped home for the equaliser in the 58th minute.

Asembeka and Mwana troubled Vihiga defenders as Sony continued to pass and probe in the danger zone.

In the 79th minute, Mosha fired the millers into the lead with a right footed pile driver into the far left hand side of the net with Mwenda beaten. Khaemba cleared off the line Mwana’s attempt five minutes to time.