Sofapaka eye Shield glory after weekend heroics

Sofapaka eye Shield glory after weekend heroics

Sofapaka head coach John Baraza has trained his eyes on winning the FKF -Shield triumph as he aims to finish the season with silverware.

Following their 3-0 win over minnows Baba Ndogo United in a round of 32 Shield  match played at Camp Toyoyo grounds at the weekend, the tactician believes his side has what it takes to win this year’s tournament .

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the former Harambee Stars striker said they will fight on two fronts; the League and the Shield – maintaining that the knockout competition is their top priority.

“The game was very tough (against Baba Ndogo United). They are an organized team but I am happy with my boys’ performance. We are through to the next round and our focus is to keep winning; keep the momentum going, for we want to finish this campaign with a trophy,” he said.

Baraza fielded a strong side for the clash and the match also marked a debut for new signing goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya who was signed from fellow KPL boys Mathare United to replace skipper Mathias Kigonya.

“There’s a lot of improvement from the lower league sides and you saw it earlier (when KCB was defeated by Leysa). There are no small teams anymore and that’s why we treat each and every game with a lot of seriousness. Baba Ndogo came here for a win and they gave their best,” Baraza stressed.

Goals from Stephen Waruru, Umaru Kasumba and Piston Mutamba were enough to book Sofapaka a slot in the last 16.

Elsewhere, defending champions AFC Leopards hit four past Rainforest FC at the Karuturi grounds to keep their hopes of defending the crown alive.

Ezekiel Odera scored a brace while Jaffar Owiti and Ray Omondi were also on target to ensure Rodolfo Zapata side carried on with the dream of defending the crown.

Tusker, on the other hand, handed Bandari a second home defeat in a span of a month after Robert Matano’s side registered a hard fought 2-1 win at the Mbaraki Sports Club to advance to the next round.

Elsewhere, National Super League table toppers Ushuru FC failed to turn up for their match against Mwatate United in Wundanyi, handing the latter a walk-over.

This means that Mwatate join Modern Coast as the only two sides from the coastal region to advance to the round of 16. Coast sailed through after overcoming Ligi Ndogo 3-2 on post match penalties in a match staged at Hope Centre.

Winners of the Shield round of 32

Vihiga United

AFC Leopards

Friend Zone

Sofapaka

Kenya Police

Western Stima

Bungoma Superstars

Mwatate United

Tusker FC

Leysa FC

Kariobangi Sharks

Posta Rangers

Riverplate

Modern Coast Rangers

Ulinzi Stars

Gor Mahia

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John Baraza sofapaka FKF- Shield silverware

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