NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 1 – The final of the Football Kenya Federation Shield pitting defending champions Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari was rained off on Saturday evening with the dockers leading 2-1 at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.
The match will now be played on Sunday at 11am for the final 45 minutes with the holders hoping to overturn the single goal deficit.
Yema Mwana’s double had given Bandari a 2-0 lead before Patillah Omotto’s belter of a goal gave Sharks some hope.
The heavens opened up with around 15 minutes left to half time and the pitch was soaked over the entire halftime period prompting the match officials to make a decision after a prolonged break.
After close to half an hour inside the dressing room, centre referee Davies Omweno came out with his two assistants and captains of both sides and after making a survey of the entire pitch decided to call off the tie.
“It was rather unfortunate, but beyond our control. We hope to finish the job tomorrow,” Bandari head coach Bernard Mwalala said after the tie was called off.
But the tactician will have a headache to convince Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne to allow keeper Faruk Shilhalo play the game tomorrow as he was scheduled to leaver for France later on Saturday night.
Shikalo who might be playing his last game for Bandari before leaving for Tanzanian giants Yanga SC upon return from the Cup of Nations was in great form keeping his side in the game.
The dockers broke the deadlock in the second minute when Mwana raced to a ball planted behind the defense before slamming a powerful shot past Gad Mathews.
Sharks had a chance to draw level in the fifth minute but Shikalo made a brilliant save to tip Duke Abuya’s powerful low shot behind for a corner. Six minutes later they came close when Eric Kapaito beat Brian Otieno to the ball to face Shikalo one on one but lifted the ball just wide.
For the missed chances, Sharks were made to pay when Abdallah Hassan put Mwema through with a brilliant through pass and the forward did the rest, his powerful shot going past Dad in the Sharks goal.
The holders however gave themselves some hope when Omotto struck a belter from outside the box after the Bandari backline cleared the ball to his path.
Sharks had a chance when Harrison Mwenda broke on the left but his low shot was well saved by Shikalo.