Asieche the hero as Sofapaka seal Cup final berth

Elly Asieche came off the bench to score the winner as Sofapaka FC defeated AFC Leopards 1-0 to reach the FKF Shield final where Kariobangi Sharks lie in wait.

Sharks had mauled Ulinzi Stars 4-1 earlier at the Kasarani Stadium in the first semis match, played at the same venue.

Sofapaka FC shelled out a fierce front line with Pistone Mutamba, Umaru Kasumba and former Leopards man Kepha Aswani leading the three-pronged attack.

Aswani was handed a supporting role and the three were quick to cause trouble but goalkeeper Ezekiel Owade started the match exceptionally well, twice denying Kasumba and making another brilliant stop to keep out Mutamba’s effort in the opening minutes.

Leopards then created a chance of their own with Whyvonne Isuza and Yusuf Mohamed combining well on the right flank but the latter’s cross was too high and could only skim off Ezekiel Odera’s head and out across the other for a throw in.

Sofapaka were running the first half show and Kevin Kimani was orchestrating it, causing all sorts of trouble for the Leopards with some incisive runs through midfield. His quick interchange with Stephen Waruru created a clear opening for Kasumba but the Ugandan was flagged offside.

Leopards launched a fast break from the resulting free kick but Marvin Nabwire and Isuza failed to beat Humphrey Okoti and Dennis Odhiambo in a two on two situation.

From the interception Okoti initiated a counter attack but Kasumba placed his shot just wide with Kimani doing well again to pick him out.

Kasumba then did well to hold off Salim Abdalla but failed to wrap his foot well around the ball for the shot and his effort is easily collected by Owade as both sides went to the break deadlocked at 0-0.

Leopards made a sloppy start to the second half with a frustrated Ingwe faithful heckling at the technical bench to make substitutions and Odera’s poor attempt only attracted a stronger round of disapproval.

The striker had done well to bring down a high ball with a deft control but rushed a shot with his left foot which keeper Matthias Kigonya was happy to watch as it rolled out.

Head coach Rodolfo Zapata finally obliged but it was Edward Seda who came off instead with Alex Orotomal taking his place to partner Odera up front.

His counterpart John Baraza responded by substituting Mutamba out for Elly Asieche as he sought more speed at the front