Nsimbe: Success brewing at Tusker

Ulinzi vs Tusker Samuel Onyango (left) of Ulinzi stars Battles for the ball with Michael Khamata of Tusker Fc during the Sportpesa premier league match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on April 15,2017.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

GOtv Shield: Champions to face Vihiga in quarterfinals

Success brewing at Tusker as former winners Sofapaka shift focus to Kenyan Premier League.

GOtv Shield champions Tusker are three matches from defending their title if last weekend's performance in round 16 of this year's competition is anything to go by.

The brewers led three other Kenyan Premier League sides into the last eight as they swiftly bounced back from their disappointing 1-0 league defeat to Western Stima to thrash non-league side Butterfly FC 4-1 in Meru.

But it will not be easy for the 12-time league winners as they face an acid test from the unpredictable Vihiga United in the quarterfinals. The National Super League outfit defeated Kakamega Homeboyz 5-4 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

"That was a great comeback by the boys. We played very well, created many scoring chances, and deserve to be in the quarters. I am generally happy with the performance," said Tusker coach George Nsimbe.

"Our loss to Stima was a wake-up call and I am glad the players responded quickly against Butterfly. We know it will not be easy, but if we continue playing like that, we can retain the trophy."

While Tusker were tearing their opponents apart, three-time Shield winners Sofapaka suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Kariobangi Sharks in Sunday's pre-quarters encounter at Nyayo Stadium.

"It is unfortunate that we are out of the competition. We didn't expect such a result but we will have to accept it and move on. Our focus now shifts to the league; the title race is still wide open and any team can win it," said Sofapaka assistant coach John Baraza.

Sharks, who lost 4-1 to Ulinzi Stars in last year's semifinals, will hope to continue with their remarkable performance when they tackle Eldoret Youth in the quarters.