Giant-killers River Plate stun Kisumu All Stars in Shield

Gregory Shikanga (right) of River Plate tussles for the ball with Leon Doso (left) of Kisumu All Stars during their SportPesa Shield clash at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on June 23, 2018. River Plate won 4-1. PHOTO | VICTOR OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • AllStars became the second casualty from NSL in the hands of the Kakamega-based in the competition, following their 1-0 win over Nakuru All Stars 1-0 in the round of 64.

Minnows River Plate humiliated National Super League (NSL) side Kisumu All-Stars 4-1 on Saturday at Moi Stadium in Kisumu to storm into the last 16 of the SportPesa Shield.

AllStars became the second casualty from NSL in the hands of the Kakamega-based in the competition, following their 1-0 win over Nakuru All Stars 1-0 in the round of 64.

Kennedy Wandiri scored a hat-trick while Rayan Ashiona added the fourth while Jackson Juma netted the consolation goal for All-Stars.

Plate's head coach James Andati hailed his side for advancing to the next round of the competition saying they will give their best through out the competition.

"We came to win but we did not expect that it will be this huge. The players gave their best and I am happy that we have advanced to the next level," said Andati.

All Stars' Leone Doso, newly signed from Western Stima, wasted an early opportunity after he dilly-dallied inside the area before Gregory Shikanga cleared.

Wandiri opened the scoring seven minutes into the match after Brian Mbaruk set him up, before drilling a low strike on the far left past a hapless Stephen Khamidi in All Star's goal.

The goal seemed to have woken up the Kisumu County-sponsored club as they created several chances but Plate goalkeeper George Ochieng did well to keep the hosts at bay.

Wandiri then turned provider, this time round releasing Ashiona whose first-time shot doubled their lead on 17 minutes.

An alert Ochieng made a brilliant save to deny Okongo unleashed a rasping shot on the far right.

With All Stars all out in attack trying to find their way back into the match, Wandiri stabbed home his second and Plate's third goal in the 36th minute to all but end the contest.

The home side made a substitution on the stroke of halftime with Gerishon Arabe taking the place of Antony Kamay before making a double change after the restart as Stephen Ochieng and Cornelius Owino were rested for Ian Samuel and Erick Otieno.

Khamidi was forced into a brilliant save by Benard Luchendo's long range strike as the visitors continued to dominate.