Holders Sharks, KCB Set Up Enticing SportPesa Shield Semi Clash

21st April 2019 - by Louis Kalinga

Midfield sensation Kennedy Owino doubled the advantage for the bankers four minutes later with a wicked left footed shot that flew into the top right corner

KCB defender Mike Kibwage contests the ball with AFC Leopards SC midfielder Brian Marita during the SportPesa Premier League match at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Saturday, January 12, 2019. PHOTO/SPN

SUMMARY

SportPesa Shield champions Kariobangi Sharks FC beat Bungoma All Stars 4-2 on post match penalties at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to secure a semifinal date with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC
Bidco made the most of a free kick from a threatening position in the 66th and scored to reduce the deficit
KCB restored their two-goal advantage with six minutes left and captain Mike Kibwage headed in their fourth from a Omwenga corner to seal the deal

MACHAKOS, Kenya- SportPesa Shield champions Kariobangi Sharks FC beat Bungoma All Stars 4-2 on post match penalties at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to secure a semifinal date with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC.

KCB thumped Bidco United FC 4-1 in an earlier match staged at venue in the knockout competition.

The Frank Ouna coached side continued to show their intention of being a force to reckon with in the top flight with a scintillating performance throughout the encounter.

Bolton Omwenga opened the scoring for KCB in the fourth minute with an audacious free kick attempt, giving the bankers a deserved early lead.

Midfield sensation Kennedy Owino doubled the advantage four minutes later with a wicked left footed shot that flew into the top right corner.

KCB continued to dominate proceedings and they looked set to be on their way as Bidco struggled to find a way back into the game.

The second half began with more pace than the first and KCB continued to pile pressure on the underdogs.

Bidco made the most of a free kick from a threatening position in the 66th and scored to reduce the deficit.

In the 72nd, Estone Esiye came close with a free kick but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper and went out for a corner.

KCB restored their two-goal advantage with six minutes left and captain Mike Kibwage headed in their fourth from a Omwenga corner to seal the deal.

At the same time Eric Kapaito scored for Sharks with just two minutes left to equalize and send their encounter against Bungoma All Stars into a dramatic penalty shootout.

Sharks were the most threatening from the onset and had a couple of good chances from the start but the Bungoma All Stars FC keeper was on top of his game.

Both teams tested the opposite goalkeepers throughout the first half and a Duke Abuya’s effort in the 43rd that went over the bar, was the closest yet.

The second half began with more intensity than the first as both teams sought a way to break the deadlock and qualify for the semis.

Abuya was involved yet again in the 60th as he tested the All Stars keeper but he was up to the task pulling off a great save to keep the minnows in the game.

Abuya, the most threatening player in the Sharks team attempted a diving header in the 70th but his effort went inches over the bar.

Ten minutes later, the traveling fans from Bungoma erupted as their team broke the deadlock with a looping header to give them the advantage.

Sharks continued to press for the equalizing goal but their efforts seemed to bear no fruit with the All Stars from Bungoma looking to have one foot in the semis.

With one minute left to play, last seasons Most Valuable Player, Kapaito, came through with that elusive equalizer that meant both teams would decide it via a penalty shootout.

Abuya stepped up to take the first penalty and converted giving William Muluyas side the advantage.

Sharks keeper Matthew Gad then saved the next penalty and Sven Yidah converted after to put Sharks 2-0 up.

Tom Teka then scored after a converted Bungoma penalty to make it 3-1 to the champions.

Nixon Omondi then scored before granting Gad the opportunity to save yet another penalty to give Sharks a 4-2 victory.