Gor Mahia beat Sharks to set Bidco in FKF Cup semis

FILE: Gor Mahia FC forward Sydney Ochieng (2nd R) celebrates with players after scoring the second goal against APR FC of Rwanda during their CAF Champions League second leg match in Nairobi on December 05, 2020. [PHOTO COURTESY]

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia on Thursday progressed to the semifinals of Football Kenya Federation Cup after edging out rivals a Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 at Utalii Grounds in Nairobi.

Goals by Abdul Karim and Sydney Ochieng was all Gor needed to secure a place in the FKF Cup semifinal.

The quarter-final clash between Sharks and Gor was a repeat of the 2018 edition, where Sharks knocked out K'Ogalo 4-2 in post-match penalties after a barren draw in regulation time.

K’Ogalo will now face Bidco United in the last four.

Karim netted at the stroke of halftime to put Gor Mahia on the front foot after beating Sharks shot stopper Obiero.

In the final half, Gor failed to double the scores three minutes after the restart when Clifton Miheso failed to tap in Karim cross.

Sharks missed a great chance to level the scores in the 62nd minute after captain Geoffrey Shiveka attempt from the spot was saved by Gor goalkeeper Gad Mathews following Harun Shakava's hand ball in the box.

Ochieng would make Sharks pay from their 12-yard miss after sealing the win with a fine goal deep into stoppage time.

In the other quarterfinal, Bidco United narrowly edged out Nairobi City Stars 1-0 to qualify for the semi-finals courtesy of David Orem lone goal in the 21st minute in a tight match played at Ruaraka Grounds.

Gor will now face Bidco United in the last four while AFC Leopards will take on Equity Bank in the other semi-final. 

The semi-finals will be staged as a double-header at Thika Sub County Stadium on Sunday.