Tusker FC beat Bandari FC 2-1 while Ulinzi Stars thrashed AFC Leopards 3-2 to book the first two slots in the semi final of the 2016 Kenyan Premier League Top 8 Knockout Tournament at the Nyayo Stadium on Labour Day.

Holders Gor Mahia will face Ushuru FC on Monday 2 while Muhoroni Youth will be away to Sofapaka on the same day for a chance to book the two remaining semi final places – the two fixtures will also be staged at Nyayo.

Two goals from Humphrey Mieno in each half did all the damage for Tusker, sinking the Dockers to compound their woes in the domestic front. The Ciach Twahir Muhiddin side have had a rough patch in the league that even the Top 8 could not help reverse.

Edwin Lavatsa got them off to a bright start with an early goal in the 12th minute but the Brewers rallied from behind to pick all the three points.

Fresh from being crowned Tusker’s player for the month of March, Mieno continued with his dominant form with a close range tap in from Ronald Musana’s headed cross for the leveler in the 22nd minute.

Ekaliani Ndolo then forced Bandari keeper Wilson Obungu to back to back saves in the 27th minute, but the shot stopper who has lately come under scrutiny for poor form was equal to the task.

The match was tied 1-1 at the interval, and on resumption Mieno again called Obungu to action this time with a direct shot which was dealt with by the keeper. On the other end Lavatsa’s fiery shot was blocked by Tusker defender Lloyd Wahome.

Mieno was not to be denied in the 56th minute as he headed home Jackson Macharia’s cross from the left to make it 2-1 for the Paul Nkata’s side.

Substitute Shaban Kenga had his chance well saved by Tusker keeper Martin Musalia in the 70th minute. Lavatsa had the last say in the game but his effort with the net begging left a lot to be desired.

Ulinzi Stars 3-2 AFC Leopards

John Makwata scored another brace of the evening as Ulinzi Stars confirmed their dominance over Leopards with a 3-2 win. Enosh Ochieng scored the winning goal in the 90th minute leaving Ingwe bench bitter for lack of fair play.

It took the Soldiers from Nakuru just six minutes to change the scoreline in their favor through John Makwata’s fine low shot which left Ingwe keeper Lucas Indeche fuming.

Makwata took advantage of a misunderstanding between Indeche and defender Solomon Nasio to burry a loose ball that the keeper should have easily collected had Nasio left it to him instead of clearing it poorly.

Ingwe’s response was fast and furious as they pinned Ulinzi in their own half with attack after another.

A strong left hand of keeper James Saruni denied Mauda in the 9th with the resultant corner being wasted. Kepha Aswani then headed over the bar from a prime position three minutes later.

Clifton Miheso brilliant runs on the left proved a handful for Ulinzi defenders as time and a gain he brought in dangerous crosses. The best of them in the half came in the 28th minute but it rolled on the face of goal with Aswani seconds late.

Tired of being ran over by the wounded Leopards, the Coach Robert Matano’s men responded through Mark Bikokwa in the 32nd minute with a stunning shot that was well saved by Indeche.

A goal mouth melee then ensued with the best chance for an equalizer, but again resolute defending by Godfrey Kokoyo denied Aswani an easy tap in.

Leopards returned stronger from the breather and equalized in the 52nd minute through Clifton Miheso’s solo run – the left footed winger then doubled the lead with a brace three minutes later from a beautifully struck free kick to send Nyayo into celebrations.

The joyous mood was however cut shot by John Makwata equalizer in the 70th minute. Substitute Enosh Ochieng’ then scored the heartbreaker for Ulinzi in the 90th minute when a Leopards player was on the ground attracting condemnation from coach Ivan.

Lamine Diallo thought he had equalized again for Ingwe in the last minute of the match but his goal was ruled offside.

@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