GOTV Shield – Brave Muhoroni Youth to face Bandari in the semis.

Muhoroni Youth survived a scare from second tier league side Nzoia United to book a spot in the Kenya Cup (GOTV Shield) semis. The KPL team twice came from behind to win the epic battle 3-2 thanks to defender Wellington Ochieng’s last gasp piercing header.

Ochieng’ atoned for his earlier blunder which gifted Nzoia United the lead two minutes into the match after Mark Bikokwa capitalized of his poor back pass to put the ball past goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo.

The Awasi side were however not to be subdued, as they put the early disappointment aside to equalize with five minutes left to half time, from Yusuf Mohammed’s header off Wycliffe Nyangechi’s freekick from the right side of the box to send the tie into the breather all square.

Disaster struck for Nzoia in the 49th minute when Bolton Omwenga received his marching orders for second caution, but never to be deterred, Bikokwa once more rose to the occasion in the 63rd minute heading in his brace to restore the lead to the joy of their handful traveling fans.

Skipper Abbass Akinyemi then stepped up to the plate minutes later to convert a penalty after Edmond Murai was brought down in the box by Nzoia defender to again restore parity.

With the clock ticking and the reality of the match proceeding to the dreaded spot kicks getting louder, Akinyemi was once again in the thick of things, picking Wellington Ochieng’ with a beautifully delivered cross from the left which the overlapping defender buried home on the dot for the winner sparking wild celebrations from their fans.

On Saturday 7, the dockers Bandari put visiting Ulinzi Stars to the sword edging them out 1-0 courtesy of George Abege’s goal. The result means the soldiers join fellow giants Tusker, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka in finishing the 2015 season without a piece of a silverware.

Bandari will play Muhoroni Youth in the semis. Two quarter final matches are yet to be staged; Gor Mahia vs Administration Police and Sony Sugar vs Nakummatt, the winners meet in the semis.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com