Tusker FC’s Noah Wafula in action at a previous SPL clash. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, October 10 – Tusker FC suffered a major upset after second tier side, Nzoia United bundled them out of the GOtv Shield 5-4 on post match penalties in the round of 16 played in Kisumu on Saturday.
In the early kick-off at the same venue, Edwin Oduor netted twice as Sony Sugar edged out West Kenya 2-1 while Football Kenya Premier league side, Nakumatt FC mauled Fortune Sacco 4-0.
Elsewhere, hosts Bandari were 2-1 winners over Bomet’s Administration Police as the law enforces counterparts from Nairobi beat Fresha FC 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals.
After eliminating defending champions Sofapaka in the round of 32, Nzoia United downed another SportPesa Premier League giant, Tusker FC to pile more misery on head coach, Francis Kimanzi who has now been left with the KPL Top 8 to defend.
The Brewers who entered the match at the back of 2-3 loss to Muhoroni Youth in the league, found themselves trailing in the 63rd minute courtesy of Mark Bikokwa’s opener from the spot.
Clifford Alwanga came to Tusker’s rescue ten minutes to the final whistle to force the match to penalties after the match ended 1-1.
In the shoot outs, Brian Osumba, James Situma and Humphrey Mieno missed their kicks as Kevin Kimani, Jockins Atudo, Clifford Alwanga and Jesse Were converted.
Lawrence Juma, Bikokwa, Bonface Mucheri, Valen Mahero and Benson Mangala netted for Nzoia as Festus Okine and Patrick Kwitonda squandered theirs.
The underdogs came close in the opening ten minutes with Valen Mahero attempting from close range but was denied by the woodwork.
Tusker found their rhythm at the quarter hour mark with efforts from Kimani and Mieno going wide.
Were, could have send his side ahead in the 27th after Ronald Musana dribbled past two defenders to set him up but the SPL top scorer wasted the chance after his feeble shot was rescued.
Nzoia resumed on a high to punish Tusker after defender Eugene Asike handled in the box to concede a penalty that was well slotted home by Bikokwa.
The visitors had chance to double the lead through Luke Namanda and Mahero but defenders Asike and Jockins Atudo did well to clear off the line.
However, the Brewers restored parity in the dying minutes after Alwanga raised high to node home from Kimani’s cross to send the match on post match penalties.
The GOtv Shield continues on Sunday with Muhoroni Youth taking on Police FC.
