Cornered Simba claw Moshi Khalsa

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya champions Kisumu Simba overcame Moshi Khalsa of Tanzania 3-0 to inch closer to the final of the African Cup of Clubs Championship.

Prolific scorer Teddy Masengo notched a double in the first half when he converted a penalty corner in the 15th minute and then added a field goal in the 26th minute to give Simba a 2-0 lead at half time.

Zack Aura wrapped up the scores with a field goal in the 64th minute as Simba recorded three victories out of four matches.

The lakeside boys need to beat defending champions, Sharkia, tomorrow to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the men’s final on Sunday. Simba captain Cliff Okello said they would go out for clear victory since they understand their survival in the tournament depends on this match

"That promises to be a thriller. Simbas are busy sharpening their claws and if one wants to understand how ferocious a cornered cat is then he/she should not fail to come at City Park Stadium on Friday," Okello said.

"If we wont win we’re going to die on this pitch," said the captain.

Winless Green Sharks engage the second Egyptian team- Eastern today in a match the homeboys who are out of contention need to win to the exit the tournament honourably. The Egyptian teams are highly favoured by history since the trophy has only left the land of Pharaohs on one occasion, when the defunct Armed Forces of Kenya lifted the crown in 1998. Besides this, the trophy has exchanged hands between Sharkia and Egypt Police.

A new force—Eastern—has emerged and they are top contenders at the Championship.

Eastern and Sharkia are highly tipped to finish in the top two positions having won two matches and drawn one apiece.

The Egyptians complicated the qualification equation after they played to a 1-1 draw in their meeting last Wednesday.