Expect electrocution, warns Stima coach

By JAMES WAINDi

Western Stima tactician Henry Omino has told his opponent Francis Kimanzi of Sofapaka to expect an electrocution when the two sides renew their rivalry in a fortnights time after they settled for a 1-1 draw in the first leg semi-final of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top Eight on Wednesday night at Nyayo Stadium.

"We lacked confidence in the first half and allowed Sofapaka to come at us and could have scored more than one goal at half-time, but we recovered in the second half and I believe the confidence is back after we lost at home to Tusker in a league match last weekend. Kimanzi should expect a totally differenct side when we meet for the second leg," said Omino who is remembered for steering little-known Agro Chemical to third position in the 2008 KPL season.

He added: "We only need a 1-0 win in the second leg and I’m sure we would get the result. We will go for an early goal then frustrate Sofapaka, because they are beatable."

Stima were at home, despite playing the match at Nyayo Stadium and the result means that a barren draw in the second leg would see 2008 KPL champions Sofapaka progress to the final on an away goal rule.

Kimanzi was not satisfied with his side’s performance in the second half, but said a draw was good enough for his side given that they were playing away.

Away goal

"At least we have an away goal and we would certainly score in the second leg, so we have a good chance of progressing to the finals. First half belonged to us but they outplayed us in the second half and that is how football is," said Kimanzi.

Two times golden boot winner John Baraza opened the scores for Sofapaka but Ali Bai hit back late for Western Stima as the two sides settled to a 1-1 in a balanced match.

John Onami headed down Patrick Kagogo’s cross for Baraza cooly finish the move in the 15th minute, leaving Stima’s goalkeeper David Juma stranded.

Humphrey Mieno who scored Sofapaka’s crucial continental goal away to DR Congo’s Lupopo last weekend could have stretched Sofapaka’s lead in the 31st minute, but Juma was quick to thwart him.