West conference heavyweights Technical University of Kenya (TUK) will clash with East conference champions Jericho All Stars in the SportPesa Super 8 Champions League finals due next month after both sides emerged victorious in their respective semifinals fixtures played on Sunday 30 October at City Stadium.
TUK advanced after beating resilient Meltah Kabiria 5-4 in post-match penalty kicks to book a date with Jericho who defeated arch rivals Shauri Moyo Blue Stars 1-0 in heated encounter.
Meltah Kabiria 4-5 TUK
In the first match of the day, the university students were the better side but were made to sweat for the victory after settling for a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Phillip Mwathathi, Calvin Odhiambo, Boniface Okomo and Lawrence Agina were perfect in converting their shoot out to ensure they play in the finals due November 13 at Nyayo Stadium. Meltrah scored through Francis Wambura, Muhoto Wilson, Joseph Omassaba and Sammy Agesa.
TUK’s Steven Odhiambo and striking counterpart Jeconiah Uyoga squandered priceless chances in the opening half, with the latter shooting directly at Patrick Githiga on Meltah’s goal in the 34th minute but the keeper who was up to task.
After that Odhiambo had a good combination with Evans Odhiambo on the left wing but he hesitated to pull despite being in front of goal heading into the breather at 0-0.
TUK broke the deadlock late in the second half courtesy of 85th minute penalty calmly converted by Steven Odhiambo after Meltah defender handed the ball within the forbidden area. Moments later, Meltah equalized in similar fashion, slotting from the spot kick after their player was felled within the box. Sammy Agesa sent TUK keeper Paul Maina the wrong way to ensure the match was decided through penalties.
Shauri Moyo Blue Stars 0-1 Jericho All Stars
Eddie Kuria was the toast of the day for Jericho All Stars after his 16th minute strike dimmed Shauri Moyo Blue Stars in a nerve-wrecking encounter.
Kuria tapped home a Victor Walerah cross from the left flank to grab the opener that proved the difference in a match despite ending the match one man less after combative left-back Maqbul Mohammed was shown red after a second bookable offence in the second half.
Jericho were hungry for goals and it was evident in the opening exchanges where Kuria alias Bombay netted with the first surge that bore fruit for the visitors who were without their coach Thomas Okongo who watched from the stands following a one match ban from the touchline.
In the second half, Jericho’s standing coach Joseph Agidi introduced Kinuthia Samuel and Brian Odhiambo in place of Walerah and Kevin Ndubuliwa respectively while Shauri brought in Otieno Vincent for Omondi Stephen.
Odhiambo immediately made an impact in Jericho but Peter Ngacha put a star performance to deny him a crystal chance.
Blue Stars under coach Rodgers Khamati searched deep for an equalizer but their efforts were unfruitful as Jericho’s defence held forte until the final whistle.
FULL RESULTS
Meltah Kabiria 4-5 TUK (1-1)
Shauri Moyo Blue Stars 0-1 Jericho All Stars
