Holders Sharks face Bungoma SuperStars, KCB eye Bidco scalp
What you need to know:
- The Bungoma-based side, coached by former Kenyan international Ibrahim Shikanda shocked Sofapaka and 10-time holders AFC Leopards, in the first two rounds to reach the last eight.
Bungoma SuperStars will be on another giant-killing mission when they take on holders Kariobangi Sharks in the SportPesa Shield quarter-finals at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.
The Bungoma-based side, coached by former Kenyan international Ibrahim Shikanda shocked Sofapaka and 10-time holders AFC Leopards, in the first two rounds to reach the last eight.
Interestingly, Bungoma edged out both Sofapaka and AFC Leopards on post-match penalties after 0-0 and 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Sharks, who won their only domestic cup last year, have warned the third tier side to expect no favours in Machakos.
“This is the only realistic trophy we are chasing,” Sharks stand-in captain Sven Yidah told Nation Sport on Saturday adding: “It came with a lot of exposure like playing in the SportPesa Cup when we first won it last year and it will be good to we retain it.”
Sharks, who eliminated little-known Elim FC from Trans-Nzoia 5-0 and Murang’a Seal 1-0 in the rounds of 32 and 16 respectively, head into this match on the back of a six-match winless run in the league but there league form counts for nothing ahead of this encounter.
“We play well but we have been unlucky, however, this is a must-win game.”
The match will be preceded by that pitting Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) against second tier side Bidco United.
“The players are motivated to go past this stage and win the cup, we have an upper hand against Bidco in terms of head-to-head record and that gives us confidence,” the bankers captain Michael Kibwage said.
KCB – who have beaten Bidco four times with two games ending in a draw in the past six meetings between the sides in the second tier - saw off Sindo United 1-0 before whitewashing Vihiga Sportiff 4-0 in the round of 16 to qualify for the quarters.
Bidco, who were given a bye in the first round after minnows Dero FC from Siaya pulled out before edging out Transmara Sugar 1-0 at Gusii stadium, are confident of going past the bankers.
“A knockout match has no outright winner, we have prepared well bearing in mind we are facing a team playing in the highest level,” said Bidco coach Anthony Akhulia.
FIXTURES
Sunday
KCB v Bidco United (Kenyatta stadium, Machakos, 2pm)
Kariobangi Sharks v Bungoma SuperStars (Kenyatta stadium, Machakos, 4.15pm)
