Nairobi Simba exert sweet Vaisakhi revenge on GRA

Old horse of Kenyan hockey Inderjit Matharu (right) of Sikh Union Nairobi, shows he has still got it, as he glides past Lawrence Nartcy of Ghana Revenue Authority during their Vaisakhi men’s semi-final match on April 25, 2015 at City Park Stadium. Simba won 3-2. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

What you need to know:

  • GRA coach James Manson complained about the officiating.
  • The semi-final win was a measure of revenge for Simba who lost to GRA in last year’s semi final.
  • Simba took a half time lead through Shabaz Shah’s 32nd minute field goal

Nairobi Simba beat visiting Ghana Revenue Authority 3-2 at City Park Stadium to book their place in the final of the 2015 Vaisakhi Hockey tournament in a semi final match played at City Park Stadium on Saturday.

The semi-final win was a measure of revenge for Simba who lost to GRA in last year’s semi final.

Simba will play the winner of the second semi-final between Kenya Police and Chase Sailors that scheduled to be played later Saturday night.

Simba took a half time lead through Shabaz Shah’s 32nd minute field goal despite the visitors dominating the first half.

They doubled the lead after the break when former Kenyan International  Inderjit Matharu slotted home the second in the 51st minute after been set up by Asif Shan who beat three GRA defenders on the left side.

The Ghanaians pulled a goal back three minutes later through Nick Hanson’s field goal after been put through by winger Kwasi Assah to get his team back in the game.

However, Simba went further ahead in the 59th minute with Jaspreet Kalsi shot that beat GRA keeper Emmanuel Arokrful to score his team’s third.

PENALTY FLICK

GRA scored their second of the game through a penalty flick that was converted by Charles Moses after Eden Frimpong was fouled by Haggai Pepela but Simba held on for a place in the final.

“We fought for every ball, pushed them (GRA) and they were unable to cope with our pressure. We are ready for any team and we believe we can win the event,” said Simba skipper Amit Rajput.

The defeat means the west African side, who were making their third appearance at the event, will have to wait for at least another year to win their maiden Vaisakhi title.

Last year they lost out to Tanzanian outfit Moshi CCL in the final while in 2013 they were placed third. GRA coach James Manson complained about the officiating.