It's do-or-die as Bandari, Sharks contest in semis

Bandari FC Siraj Mohamed (left) and Simon Munala of KCB FC during their KPL match with KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday Dec 22, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks carries Kenyan hopes of retaining the Sportpesa Cup for the third year in a row when they face Tanzanian opponents this afternoon in the semi-finals at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mombasa-based Bandari will be up against Tanzanian champions Simba in the first match at 2pm before Mbao, who eliminated two time champions Gor Mahia, take on Kariobangi Sharks in the second semi-final at 4.15pm.

Coached by former Yanga player Bernard Mwalala, Bandari are keen to outclass Simba in the do-or-die semi-final.

“I have a well prepared squad to counter our opponents. We shall come out victorious as our aim is to go back to Kenya with the trophy,” said Mwalala.

“It is a historic moment for Bandari as we must ensure we gave our best in Tanzania. Our opponents will be under pressure from their demanding home fans,” said Mwalala.

The two Kenyan teams are expected to enjoy overwhelming support from Yanga fans due to the rivalry between the two Tanzanian football heavyweights.

Mwalala will probably start with first choice goal keeper Faruk Shikholo with captain Felly Mulumba, Uganda’s Fred Nkata and Nicholas Meja marshaling the defence while William Wardi and Hassan Abdallah anchor the striking force.

Simba’s coach Patrick Aussems admitted that Kenyan teams are strong and won’t underrate Bandari. “Any of the four remaining teams are capable of winning the title,” said Aussems.

Simba start as favourites with Uganda’s international and captain Emmanuel Okwi as the deadly striker for Bandari.

Okwi and former Gor Mahia striker Meddie Kagere are the crowd pullers and might impress. If the classic football they exhibited in the quarter finals were anything to by, then Kariobangi Sharks will start as favourites against Mbao side in the tie.