Wanga delight hands Tusker FC Shield glory

A first half goal from striker Allan Wanga was all Tusker FC needed to clinch the 2016 GOtv Shield Cup as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) leaders beat Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in a match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday.

Wanga opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, beating his marker Geoffrey Kokoyo with a skillful turn before unleashing a powerful low shot past James Saruni and in off the post.

In an earlier third place play-offs fixture at the same venue, skipper Ibrahim Kitawi starred as Kariobangi Sharks thumped fellow National Super League (NSL) side KCB FC 5 – 2.

Rodgers Omondi, Patillah Omoto, Steven Odhiambo, Elly Asieche and Erick Juma netted one each for the William Muluya coached side to take home Ksh. 750,000.

Nicholas Kamau and Job Endriseh were on target for the Bankers, whose cash prize was Ksh. 500,000 for finishing fourth.

“We were really focused for this game and this result is a good motivation heading into Sunday’s league match against Nairobi City Stars. I’m really looking forward to winning a double with Tusker so a win for us will ease off the pressure we have right now but first we have to thank God for this trophy today,” Wanga told Citizen Digital.

His Coach, Paul Nkata, credited team effort, determination and squad depth for the win adding that they have now proven their mettle as the best KPL side this season.

“Our captain James Situma was not in the squad today after sustaining an injury during our last fixture against Bandari FC but we still won. After claiming the Shield Cup it’s now up to us to work hard for the league title,” the exhilarated Ugandan tactician said after winning his first title with of the Brewers.

Ulinzi forwards Enosh Ochieng and John Mark Makwatta missed two chances in quick succession before Saruni thwarted Noah ‘Fuso’ Wafula’s effort in the opposite end of the pitch.

Tusker found the breakthrough just beyond the half hour mark as captain Humphrey Mieno found Wanga who found the back of the net for the opener.

Ochieng almost pulled his side level shortly after the restart, meeting Daniel Waweru’s corner only to see his headed attempt fly over inches over the cross bar.

A more aggressive Ulinzi continued pressing for an equalizer, prompting Nkata to withdraw George Mandela who was enduring a dull afternoon and bringing pacey winger Danson Kago in his place.

Ulinzi’s Benjamin Nyangweso responded immediately by bringing on striker Churchill Muloma for John Kago, before introducing veteran striker Stephen Waruru to shift to a three-pronged attacking unit.

In the 69th minute, Saruni pulled a magnificent save to keep out Anthony Ndolo’s close range strike from Mieno’s cross, before palming away Wanga’s shot.

Moments later, Nyangweso rested defender Cylus Shitote and brought on striker Samuel Onyango in his place as he attempted to strengthen his attacking force.

Tusker then recoiled to defend their lead, letting their opponents boss possession but denying them a sniff at goal.

Onyango almost leveled at the death but the Brewers survived to clinch their fourth GOtv Shield title.