Sharks humble Solar in maiden CAF Cup outing

Sharks humble Solar in maiden CAF Cup outing

 Kariobangi Sharks have put one foot at the second round of the CAF Confederations Cup preliminaries after thrashing a sorry Arta Solar of Djibouti 6-1 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Tuesday.

Duke Abuya, Sidney Lokale, Nickson Omondi, Patilah Omotto, George Abege and Fidel Origa were on target as the William Muluya charges ensured a convincing win in their debut continental action.

Solar got their consolation Komenan Konan, meaning they will need to win at least 5-0 in the return leg if they are to revive their second round chances.

Even without the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Most Valuable Player Eric Kapaito Sharks made a light work of the Djibouti side who struggled to cope with the hosts pace and skill.

Thus, Sharks are almost sure of playing in the second round of the preliminaries of the CAF Cup against Ghana giants Asante Kotoko, who sailed through after their would be first round opponents Edding Sport of Cameroon were disqualified.

Muluya praised his charges for the inspiring performance, but warned against complacency in the second leg noting the deal is not done yet.

“I think it was a good performance from the boys since they were eager to set one foot going to the second leg. Football is about 90 minutes and as much as we might have one foot in the second round we have to keep calm until the final whistle,” said Muluya.

His Solar counterpart Musa Mara said Sharks were too good for his side although he did not rule out the prospect of making a comeback.

“I would like to congratulate Sharks for a good game they exhibited. They were far much better than us tactically and technically. I don’t know if we can make a comeback its difficult but this is football,” averred Mara.

Floodgates

Kariobangi Sharks FC forward Nickson Omondi celebrates scoring against Arta Solar of Djibouti during their CAF Confederations Cup match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 27, 2018. Photo/Kelly Ayodi/ sportpicha

Abuya opened the floodgates at the third minute before Emerging Stars sensation Lokale doubled the lead in the 12th with Omondi scoring the third three minutes later.

Omotto added the fourth goal in 38th minute before Arta pulled one back from the spot before the break, and the first stanza would end at 4-1.

The second half was the same script as Sharks dominated the proceedings although Arta became solid defensively limiting Sharks attacks.

With no more goal past the hour mark, Sharks head coach William Muluya rang changes to his squad With James Mazembe making way for Henry Juma.

Sharks continued piling pressure on Arta in search for a fifth goal with Harrison Mwendwa particularly impressing at the right wing. However, a dejected  Arta felt comfortable sitting back attempting to hit on the break.

Sharks would ultimately grab the fifth with 15 minutes to time when Gorge Abege finished from close range after a nice work from Duke Abuya.

Kariobangi Sharks FC forward George Abege celebrates scoring against Arta Solar of Djibouti during their CAF Confederations Cup match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 27, 2018. Photo/Kelly Ayodi/ sportpicha.com

With the three points all but sealed Sharks controlled the pace of the game in the last 10 minutes as they looked to add the sixth goal with Abuya squandering the best of the chances  in the dying minutes of the match.

The Kenyans looked as if they were the ones down as they fought harder in the final minutes but Arta managed to thwart any attempts of Sharks adding another.

Finally, substitute Origa put Arta to the Sword as he put in one at the end of extra time to make it 6-1 at the throt of the extra time. The two teams will now meet in the second leg to be played in a week’s time in Djibouti.

Tags:

kenya CAF Confederations Cup William Muluya Kariobangi Sharks CAF Cup Djibouti George Abege Arta Solar Duke Abuya

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