Toppled Giants Leopards, Ulinzi Lick Shield Exit Wounds

NAIROBI, Kenya- Stunned holders AFC Leopards SC and fellow local giants Ulinzi Stars FC were left scrambling for answers after their last chance of silverware this season sunk at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani on Sunday.

Leopards and Ulinzi lost their SportPesa Shield Cup semis to Sofapaka FC (0-1) and Kariobangi Sharks FC (1-4) in that order to miss out on the October 20 final of the annual knockout competition.

Ulinzi’s wait for a maiden domestic cup crown will have to wait at least another year after the military side meekly surrendered to a rampant Sharks in the first semi, leaving head coach Dunstan Nyaundo and his soldiers shell-shocked.

"A part from the tight timetable, some of my key players had injuries and their replacements were not equally up to the task,” Nyaudo lamented.

The coach who took over at the Nakuru-based side following the amalgamation of all Kenya Defence Forces football teams at the start of the season and was hoping to break their six-year drought following their last league success in 2010.

He nonetheless admitted the better team carried the day after the four-time national league winners suffered a first loss to their opponents.

"Sharks were so tactical; they played wide balls which we could not contain. This was our main undoing.

"I feel sad because we have never lost to them, this is so painful,” stressed Nyaudo.

It was a shocking defeat for the military men considering Ulinzi came to the match on the high of silencing SportPesa Premier League champions, Gor Mahia FC 2-0 in midweek.

Large numbers

His captain, Hassan Mohammed, blamed their loss on sudden change of venue by Football Kenya Federation.

"We all knew along that the semis will be played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, but only for the swap to be done in the last minute. This affected our focus,” lamented Mohammed.

"Nonetheless, Sharks were a better side. We hope to bounce back next year,” the skipper admitted.

The four-time league winners came close to winning the knockout competition in 2016 when they lost 1-0 to Tusker FC in the final.

"We had prepared well and this is the kind of motivation we are going to have as we look forward to qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup this year.

"I therefore, urge our fans to turn up in large numbers to inspire us in the final,” Sharks skipper Eric Juma offered.

The second semi failed to produce as many goals as that of the first but that mattered less to victorious Sofapaka FC head coach, John Baraza, who is eying a win in the Shield final as a coach having lifted it as team captain in 2012.

"We were surprised by how strong Leopards played considering the 3-1 mauling they suffered against Sharks in their last game.

"It was a tough match but we are delighted with the win and we can now go home and prepare for the final," the retired striker offered.

For victorious Sharks and Sofapaka, a date with destiny awaits while Leopards and Ulinzi will battle itout in the third/fourth place playoff.