Kabras, KCB hunt for Kenya Cup final slots

Kabras Sugar captain Dan Sikuta(left) in action agaijnst Strathmore. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kabras Sugar assistant coach Edwin Achayo has said they are not deterred by last weekend’s defeat to KCB ahead of today’s Kenya Cup semi-final playoff match against Strathmore Leos at the Kakamega Showgrounds.

KCB ended the sugar millers’ unbeaten run in the league after defeating them 28-20 in the final round of the Kenya Cup regular season last weekend.

Despite the defeat, Kabras still finished top with 50 points followed by the bankers on 49 points and in the process qualified for the semifinals, a stage Achayo said the club is keen to bounce back.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Achayo said they have what it takes to compete at the top level.

“Losses are part of the game. No team goes looking for a loss but all teams realise the need to learn quickly from them and look forward to bouncing back. Disappointed is the word we would go for, not shaken,” said Achayo.

Kabras defeated the Strathmore 32-3 last month during the regular season in Kakamega, a feat Achayo said they are keen to replicate if not better.

“We played well during the first leg by not allowing them near our try line. We limited them to set pieces and we are going to use this game to rectify the mistakes we made against KCB last weekend,” said Achayo.

In Nairobi, KCB captain Curtis Lilako says they are under no pressure as they prepare to face Menengai Oilers in the other semi-final match to be played at KCB Sports Club.

The defending champions will be seeking to qualify for the final for the fifth time in a row.

The two sides met last season in the semi-finals where KCB emerged victorious 35-17. During the regular league phase this season, KCB won 23-18 in a closely contested affair.

Lilako believes they have to be more careful with Oilers after their hard fought victory against the Nakuru side last month.

“We are not playing with the unbeaten tag in our minds. Against Oilers, we have to be a bit more technical in our decisions. Last time we played them, we gave them too many opportunities with penalties and loose tackles. We have to correct that and keep our minds strong,” said Lilako.

The 2021-2022 Kenya Cup season ended in dramatic style last weekend with both Nondescripts and Impala relegated being relegated.

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