Kenya: Paka Face Sony

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Francis Wadegu And Muigai Kiguru

13 April 2011

Sofapaka and Sony Sugar will be looking to erase the memories of chastening defeats they suffered in the Kenya Premier League over the weekend when they lock horns for a place in the semi finals of the KPL Top Eight Knockout tournament.

Francis Kimanzi and his name sake Baraza both were on the wrong end of 2-0 score-lines against Rangers and Tusker respectively and they will be keen to bring their season back on track in the Sh1 million winners purse tourney. “The defeat in our own backyard to Tusker was painful but this match gives us the opportunity of showing that we have recovered from the loss,” said Baraza, who will welcome back three under 20 players including Silas Shitote, winger Justin Monda and Ignatius Lihanda for this evening clash. Striker Isaiah Omondi according to Baraza will be subject to late fitness test.

Already, Sony have beaten Sofapaka in the league here in Nairobi a couple of weeks ago when they won 2-1 and Baraza says they are out for a repeat performance. “You must always believe in yourself and prove that if you have beaten a team once you can do so again but I know Sofapaka with a new coach on the bench have learnt their lessons and will be more than ready for us today,” he said.

The winners of this clash will meet Western Stima in the last four. Henry Omino’s side ousted Tusker in the last stage. The other semi final will pit Ulinzi Stars against Gor Mahia, both of whom won 2-0 against Karuturi Sports and Mathare United respectively.

Meanwhile, Western Stima reserves humiliated their Bandari opponents 4-0 at the City Stadium as the Kenyan Premier League Under-19 tournament entered its second day yesterday.

Anthony Benson opened the scoring in the 22nd minute for the winners before Duncan Shivachi made it 2-0 eight minutes inside the second half. Stima controlled the match with brilliance in the second half, a performance that was capped by Jacob Midaga and Ali Yusuf’s 86th and 89th minute strikes respectively.

Adversaries AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia fought to a 1-1 draw. Duncan Owiti put K’Ogalo ahead in the 57th minute before Emmanuel Tostao levelled for Ingwe on the hour mark.

Another encounter saw Michael Gavunji’s 5th minute strike for Sofapaka sink Rangers FC at the same venue. Today’s fixtures will see Chemilil Sugar battle it out with Sony Sugar while KCB will be up against Ulinzi Stars. Mathare United take on City Stars while Tusker face Karuturi Sports in the final match of the day.

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