FKF Shield final postponed after heavy rains

The 2019 FKF Shield final pitting holders Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari FC was halted midway and will be completed on Sunday following heavy rains that pounded on the Kasarani Stadium.

Bandari were leading 2-1 at half-time and play will resume from that point on after match officials and captains from both teams agreed the pitch was too rain-soaked to be played on.

Yema Mwana pulled two strikes off the top drawer for Bandari FC with Patilah Omoto unleashing a cracking finish to leave the scoreline at 2-1 after a blistering opening half.

Players were visibly struggling to play through the rain and quickly vacated to their dressing rooms after the half-time whistle. There was a prolonged half-time break before the day’s match referees returned with only the captains. They went round inspecting the pitch before the center referee blew his whistle to indicate play would not continue.

While the intensity of the rains had faded off, pools of water had accumulated in patches across the pitch and the decision to call the match was mostly because the pitch has a drainage problem.

This despite the same pitch having undergone two renovation works in a span of just under two years; before the World Under-18 Championships and before the exhibition match between English championship side Hull City and Gor Mahia FC.

The clash was a replay of the Super Cup final in Tanzania where Sharks emerged 1-0 victors. A ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup is at stake for the winner with Bandari eyeing a return to continental football for the first time in four years.