Matano coy as Tusker earn a sumptuous Shield date with Sofapaka

Tusker head coach Robert Matano is pleased with his team’s narrow 1-0 victory in the round of 16 tie over Division 1 side Bungoma Superstars that took them to the quarters, terming it a ‘good performance’.

Though his side laboured to seal the last-eight slot, Matano put up a brave face noting that all teams in the last-16 earned their place on merit and what mattered was their qualification to the quarters .

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Matano was reluctant to admit that the brewers had to dig deep for their victory stating that all teams in the competition had earned the ‘right’ to be in it and what matters is that they are still in the tournament.

“Football does not care about the division your opponent plays in. Every team has earned a place to be in the competition. Qualification is the only thing we had in mind and if one goal does it for my team, then that is good for us,” Matano noted.

He continued: “It was a very good performance from my players. We managed to score and we move to the next round which is the most important thing,” Matano said.

The brewers will now prepare for a tougher test in their quarter final match against fellow Premier League side Sofapaka who comfortably saw off Western Stima 4-1 at the Narok Stadium.

Sofapaka’s head coach John Baraza said that his team’s organization was key in their win, adding that despite his players bagging four goals, advancing to the next round is the most important aspect in a knock out tournament.

In fact, Baraza is relishing a face-off with Tusker and reckons that it will be a tough game, but effective planning will enable them sail to the semi-final as he targets to lift the title.

Meanwhile, Ulinzi booked the quarters ticket, coming from a goal down at the Mumias Sports Complex , to beat Vihiga United 2-1 in stoppage time. The soldiers will be expected to comfortably overcome their next round opponent, Riverplate.

Semi-Final Match Up

Kariobangi Sharks vs Gor Mahia/Posta Rangers

Ulinzi Stars vs Riverplate

Tusker vs Sofapaka

Kenya Police vs AFC Leopards/Mwatate United

Weekend Results

Modern Coast 1- 3 Kariobangi Sharks

Kenya Police 0-0 Leysa (4-3 penalties)

Friend Zone 0-2 River Plate

Tusker 1 – 0 Bungoma Superstars

Vihiga United 1 – 2 Ulinzi Stars