Sofapaka shock Tusker FC

By  Gilbert Wandera

Sofapaka edged out Tusker 1-0 from the semi-final match of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup.

The match played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani was however not without controversy and once again put the local referees on the spot light.

Sofapaka were denied what looked like a genuine goal in the 53rd minute when influential midfielder Humphrey Mieno put George Opiyo with a brilliant free kick which tore the  net but referee Anthony Ongwao disallowed it.

It was Joseph Nyaga who scored the only goal in the 75th minute to ensure Sofapaka sailed to the final where for the second time in as many years they will meet defending champions Gor Mahia.

Nyaga beat George Opiyo in the Tusker goal with a low shot. The brewers were the dominant side in the first half where they created numerous scoring chances but failed to get anything from it.

Four chances

Kenneth Wendo was the most wasteful player, failing to convert at least four chances in the first half despite receiving good service from the midfield and the flanks.

But it was John Barasa who should have scored the opening goal of the game but was denied by the post in the 39th minute from a move initiated by Joseph Nyaga.

Nyaga himself forced George Opiyo in Tusker’s goal to make a finger tip save just on the stroke of half-time.

With both sides eager to score, there was plenty of drama in the second half. Abdalla Juma was denied by the bar from a free kick in the 51st minute.

Two minutes later, Patrick Kagogo brought down Mieno who took the resultant free kick and scored but was overruled.

Players protested

As Sofapaka players protested the match was going on and Tusker scored through Keneth Wendo but even this was disallowed and the former awarded a free kick but not before goalkeeper Duncun Ochieng’ was cautioned apparently for protesting at the referee.

Twenty minutes later, there was no  denying Sofapaka.  Heritier Luvualu picked out  Joseph Nyaga in the middle of the pack and the latter made no mistake with a low left foot shot that first hit the post before crawling into the net with the Tusker goalkeeper having no chance at all.

Both Sofapaka and Gor Mahia will be attempting to get an opportunity to represent the country in the continental stage after missing out on the league title.

The final may be played at Nyayo Stadium tomorrow night if the Sports Stadia Management Board agree to host the match at the venue. The match will be live on SuperSport.

Meanwhile, following a renewed outbreak of the dreaded Ebola in Uganda, Kenyan officials have expressed concern over the safety of their players during this year’s regional senior challenge cup which kicks off on November 24.

Football Kenya Federation acting Secretary General Joseph Agola has written to the regional body demanding to know what measures have been in place to keep Harambee Stars players and technical bench safe.