Allan Wanga stunner gives Tusker GOtv Shield title
Tusker players celebrate with the trophy after beating Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in the GOtv Shield final on October 20, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
Allan Wanga’s first half winner fired the team to a first domestic cup since 1993 when they won the Moi Golden Cup on October 10.
Ulinzi coach Robert Matano watched helplessly and became emotional as he followed proceedings on the stands, saying that he desperately fancied his charges to win.
The Tusker playing unit marched before Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa who meticulously placed medals on their necks before handing them the African shield and the Sh2 million winners’ cash prize.
Tusker on Thursday claimed their first silverware of the season after beating Ulinzi Stars 1-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium to win the 2016 GOtv Shield title.
Allan Wanga’s first half winner fired the team to a first domestic cup since 1993 when they won the Moi Golden Cup on October 10.
The brewers have now earned an automatic ticket to compete in next year’s Caf Confederation Cup, although an alternative decision could be made should they also win the league title as this would mean they qualify for the more prestigious Caf Champions League.
Tusker players celebrate with the trophy after beating Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in the GOtv Shield final on October 20, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Tusker FC striker Stephen Owusu lifts his coach Paul Nkata in celebration following their 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars in the GOtv Shield final on October 20, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Ailing Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano watched helplessly as he followed proceedings from the stands, saying that he desperately fancied his charges to win.
As the game wore on, Matano walked to the bench and issued a few instructions to his deputy Benjamin Nyangweso who has been in charge of the Soldiers for the last two months.
“Almost every player had told me individually that they want to win this trophy for me,” the ailing coach said.
Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano looks on during their Gotv Shield final match against Tusker at Nyayo Stadium on October 20, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Tusker coach Paul Nkata was however beaming with confidence and offered the cool assurance that his team would also win the league title.
“You heard the fans. They want ‘double double’ and that’s what I shall give them. I am a double double guy,” he said in confidence.
Both teams fielded their best sides for the final, with Ulinzi preferring to start with a solid defence comprising of Cylus Shitote, Geoffrey Kokoyo, Mohammed Hassan and Omar Mbongi.
Tusker FC striker Allan Wanga (left) vies for the ball with Ulinzi Stars defender Omar during their GOtv Shield final match on October 20, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Tusker missed captain James Situma who suffered an injury after the Bandari match last weekend but Martin Kizza and Lloyd Wahome proved worthy deputies in central defence.
The brewers however had more numbers upfront, with Allan Wanga, Anthony Ndolo, George Mandela, Noah Wafula and Humphrey Mieno all starting in Nkata’s offensive squad.
Tusker FC midfielder Humphrey Mieno (left) vies for the ball with Ulinzi Stars defender Mohammed Hassan their GOtv Shield final match on October 20, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Tusker FC midfielder Ekaliani Ndolo (left) vies for the ball with Ulinzi Stars midfielder John Kago during their GOtv Shield final match on October 20, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Wanga offered the game’s outstanding moment in the 30th minute when he was fed by Ndolo a few yards from the box before turning and beating Ulinzi keeper James Saruni with a low shot that ricocheted off the right post into the net.
Ulinzi could have equalised a few minutes to the break but John Mark Makwatta failed to beat David Okello in Tusker goal after he had beaten the entire brewers back line.
The win bring Tusker’s domestic Cups tally to four while Ulinzi’s search for their maiden title continues.
Defender Eugene Asike's injury in added time will be the only concern for Nkata from the closely contested match.
Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa handed the brewers the trophy and Sh2 million winners’ cheque.
Earlier on, Kariobangi Sharks hammered fellow National Super League side KCB 5-2 in the third place playoff at the same venue.
Steven Omondi claimed a brace for Sharks as Rodgers Omondi, Patilla Omitto and Eric Nina scored a goal each for the team that is hoping to join the top flight next season.
The score line could have been bigger, but Sharks had Ibrahim Kitawi’s goal disallowed in the 54th minute. Nicholas Kamau and Job Endriseh scored the two consolation goals for KCB on the 10th and 75th minutes.
