Sharks to miss quintet in crunch Cup semis

Last year’s Shield finalists Kariobangi Sharks will miss five of their key players on Sunday when they confront an on-form Ulinzi Stars in the Shield semi finals at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Keeper Jeff Oyemba who is still nursing an injury is joined by defender Wycliffe Otieno, midfielders Sven Yidah, Francis Manoa and attacker Fidel Awinga in the treatment room and will thus play no role in the contest that is expected to be explosive.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Sharks head coach William Muluya said that he will treat the Cup semis as any other match.

“…when you make a slight mistake you are punished on the spot and so what we are going to avoid making mistakes,” said Muluya.

Ulinzi Stars are seemingly on an upward trajectory registering five wins on the bounce, the last of which was a 2-0 win over champions elect Gor Mahia last Wednesday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos but Muluya says his ‘fit players’ are ready and determined to oust Ulinzi Stars.

“We respect Ulinzi and its true they have won five games in a row just like we have done. My boys are working very hard and I’m confident we are going to the final,” Muluya emphasized.

Sharks booked their ticket to the semis after hammering Gor Mahia 4-2 on a post match penalties after a barren draw in a thrilling contest in Machakos while Ulinzi Stars smashed Riverplate 4-1 at Bukhungu Stadium to book their place in the Sunday semis.

The second semis will also be played tomorrow at the same venue with holders AFC Leopards taking on Sofapaka who are fifth in the league.

To sail to the semis, Leopards thrashed Kenya Police 4-1 at Bukhungu Stadium as Sofapaka dispatched Tusker FC 2-1 in Machakos.

The first semi will kick off at 1pm, paving way for the second match from 3.15pm .Regular tickets retail at Ksh 100 while main stand tickets retail at Ksh 300.

The Cup final is scheduled for October 20.The winner takes home a Ksh. 2 million as well as a ticket to next year’s Caf- Confederation Cup.