Kariobangi Sharks have successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup after securing a 1-0 victory over SS Assad in a captivating quarterfinal clash at Dandora Stadium. The pivotal moment came in the 32nd minute when John Makwatta capitalized on Stephen Bwire’s cross to score the only goal of the match.
The Sharks’ breakthrough followed a close call from SS Assad, with Hemed Mwatsingwa’s long-range effort narrowly missing the target. This goal seemed to unsettle the Kwale-based team, allowing the Sharks to dominate the remainder of the game.
Despite several opportunities to widen the gap, including a near second goal from Makwatta and a blocked shot from Geoffrey Onyango, the scoreline remained tight. SS Assad nearly leveled the match in the dying minutes, but Bockins Adeya’s attempt drifted wide, ensuring the Sharks’ progression.
The Sharks, previous champions in 2018, are now set to face Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in what promises to be a gripping semi-final. Coach William ‘Kanu’ Muluya acknowledged the unexpected difficulty of the match but praised his team’s defensive efforts.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, Muluya anticipates a challenging game against KCB, noting the familiarity between the two teams.
Meanwhile, SS Assad’s coach, Nassoro Mwasoba, reflected on missed opportunities and shifted focus to finishing in the top five of the league.
