GOtv: Shock as holders are dumped as quarterfinals end

KPL AT NYAYO Part of Vihiga FC players celebrate a goal against Tusker FC during Gotv match at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, August 20, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Vihiga stun Tusker, AFC through to semi final

National Super League side eliminate champions as Leopards thrash Wazito

Vihiga United provided the shock result of the GOtv Shield by shoving aside holders Tusker at the quarterfinal stage, thanks to a merited 2-0 victory at Nyayo Stadium.

Having watched Tusker taken to the cleaners, AFC Leopards banished any thoughts of an upset by thrashing Wazito FC 7-1 in a lopsided second match.

AFC Leopards’ Rwandan import Alexis Kitenge struck a hat trick in that smashing victory, though it will for many weeks be overshadowed by the exploits of Vihiga United - a second tier league outfit.

Vihiga United weathered an early onslaught by Tusker before battle-hardened Charles Okwemba with a 24th-minute penalty after Christopher Masinza’s floated cross was handled by Marlon Tangauzi.

Coach Edward Manoah spent the last stages of the fixture from the stands after being sent off for remonstrating with the referee, but his anxiety was eased as Dennis Lugalia struck Vihiga United’s second in the 87th minute.

In the second match, AFC Leopards were in no charitable mood.

Two quick penalties by Kitenge gave AFC Leopards a two-goal lead.

There was no looking back for AFC Leopards as Marcellus Ingotsi met Michael Kibwage’s cross with a perfectly struck header.

Michael Kibwage, Samuel Ndung’u were also on target with defender Gicheru pulling a goal back for Wazito.

Wazito’s Piston Mutamba went close to pulling a goal back just before the break after latching on to Eric Odhiambo’s threaded ball.

Kibwage got Leopards rolling again with a powerful strike after restart. Although Wazito pulled a goal back with a penalty of their own after Dennis Sikhayi felled Piston Mutamba, Leopards were in cruise mode.

Samuel Ndung’u, in for Aziz Okaka, put through Ingotsi for Leopards’ fifth goal before helping himself to a goal with a shot that squirmed under the Wazito goalkeeper.

Kitenge completed his hat trick in the last minute of the game, again from the spot after Johnston Omurwa handled the ball in the box.