- AFC Leopards beat Compel FC 3-1
- They have not won the Cup since 2017
- Kariobangi Sharks edged out SS Assad 1-0
AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks have stormed into the semi-finals of the FKF MozzartBet Cup after wading through their quarter final duels.
Leopards came from a goal down to beat Division Two side Compel FC 3-1, while Kariobangi Sharks saw off National Super League side SS Assad from Mombasa 1-0, with both matches played at the newly constructed Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.
In their search for a first piece of silverware since 2014, Leopards had to survive an early scare.
Rwandese international Arthur Gitego struick a brace with a goal in each half Ingwe came from a goal down to advance.
The lower tier side had stunned Leopards, going into the lead after just 25 seconds, but Leopards fought to level through Kaycie Odhiambo before Gitego scored twice to hand Leopards a ticket to the last four.
Philip Simiyu gave Compel the lead straight from kick off after AFC lost the ball cheaply. Skipper Robert Mapolo picked the ball and def Simiyu who was just inside their own half. The forward took on a daunting run to the edge of the Ingwe box before unleashing a left footed rocket that beat keeper Humphrey Katasi.
Leopards battle to get back into the game
AFC Leopards defender Randi Bakari battles for the ball with Compel’s Philip Simiyu
Leopards however fought to try get back into the game, with Kayci Odhiambo coming close with a freekick from the edge of the box that flew just wide.
They finally loevelled scores when Odhiambo, who had lost the ball in the build up to Compel’s goal, headed home from inside the six yard box off a Clifton Miheso corner.
Leopards continued to battle and they went ahead just before the break, Gitego swinging the ball into the net from a half volley after Miheso’s corner was brushed to his path inside the box.
The Rwandese took his goal tally in the tournament to five goals when he scored his second of the evening and third for AFC in the second half, rifling the ball past the keeper off a Hassan beja pass.
Compel had little to offer in response, and Ingwe comfortably saw off the result.
In the early kick off, John Mark Makwatta’s first half goal proved to be the difference as Kariobangi Sharks progressed to the semi-final of the FKF Cup for the second time in their history.
The second tier team were limited in their chances as Sharks totally took control of the game, and the scoreline should have been wider had they been more efficient in their opportunities.
Makwatta nets all important goal for Sharks
Kariobangi Sharks striker John Makwatta celebrating his goal against SS Assad.
Makwatta broke the deadlock a few minutes to the break when Makwatta controlled a cross from the right before shooting past the keeper from close range.
Before that, William Muluya’s men had some good chances with Victory Ngume stealing the ball after some short passing in the Assad final third, teeing up Makwatta but his effort was blocked. Steve Biko also had an attempt from range go wide.
Assad’s closest opportunity at goal fell on midfielder Bockins Adeya who struck a shot from distance but it flew inches over the target.
In the second half, Sharks continued with their dominance and they should have scored a second when another defensive mishap saw Geoffrey Onyango win the ball on the left, cross, but Makwatta’s effort was blocked by the keeper.
Onyango should have had a goal for himself when he made a run on the left and tried to beat the keeper at his near post, but the latter’s trailing foot saved the day.
Late on, Adeya had another chance for Assad when he struck a shot from the left, but the effort came off the side netting.
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