Leopards skinned in battle of cats

Sofapaka midfielder Kevin Kimani (right) races past AFC Leopards midfielder Baker Lukooya during their SportPesa Shield semi-final match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on September 23, 2018. Sofapaka won 1-0 to join Kariobangi Sharks in the final. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

Sofapaka will face Kariobangi Sharks in the Finals of this year’s Sportpesa Shield Cup after knocking out holders AFC Leopards by a solitary goal in a cagey match played at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.

Little known Elli Asieche, was the hero of the match as he came off the bench to settle match 11 minutes from time, after replacing Harambee Stars Striker Piston Mutambo.

Asieche, saw his 20-yard volley cannon off the upright but he reacted fast to bury the rebound after Ingwe defenders failed to clear their lines.

Leopards will rue their missed chances especially one at the death when Nigerian import Alex Orotomal beat the Sofapaka goalkeeper but Yusuf Mohammed came to the rescue of Batoto Ba Mungu.

Leopards striker Ezekiel Odera had a flurry of chances in front of goal in the second half but they were thwarted by a Sofapaka defence line led by Okoti.

Sofapaka forward Piston Mutamba (right) evades a tackle from AFC Leopards midfielder Said Tsuma as Brian Marita closes in during their SportPesa Shield semi-final match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on September 23, 2018. Sofapaka won 1-0 to join Kariobangi Sharks in the final. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Midfielder Whyvonne Isuza who has been clinical in front of goal and is among the contenders for KPL top scorer’s gong will also not want to watch the match highlights as he missed glorious chances in the first half.

Sofapaka will now face a tricky Kariobangi Sharks side that beat Ulinzi Stars 4-1 in the first semifinals for the ticket to play continental football next season. The winners will also walk away with a ksh 2 million prize money.

Leopards will face Ulinzi in the play-off for a ksh 750, 000 prize money, but they might do so without coach Rodolfo Zapata who is rumored to be considering to quit the club.

 

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