Stephen Okola missed his kick as Ulinzi Stars beat Sofapaka 5-4 in post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time to qualify for the semi final of the FKF Cup competition.
As expected, Ulinzi enjoyed a lion’s share of possession and thus had the better chances with Stephen Etyang, who had been a constant menace, being the main focal point in the soldiers’ attack. The former Kakamega Homeboyz man was to see his stinging shot in the 33rd minute tipped over by Simon Masaka in the Sofapaka goal for a fruitless corner.
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To tame Etyang, coach David Ouma had to withdraw Tyson Omondi in the first half after picking a yellow card in his bid not to be a man less after his defender escaped a second bookable offense after taking down Etyang again; his place taken by Jacob Panoam
It was no surprise when the soldiers took a 38th-minute lead through Boniface Muchiri whose free kick, after the soldiers had won a foul outside the box, sailed over the Sofapaka defense and into the net. The lead however lasted only for four minutes as Panoam restored parity from close range after a Levian Ochieng cross had come off the upright.
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— Mozzart Bet Cup (@FKFCup) April 29, 2023
Ulinzi Stars to the semi-finals!!!#MozzartBetCup pic.twitter.com/oATwLVxBn1
At the start of the second half, Sofapaka was to make another change with Rody Manga making way for Alex Imbusia and while a few chances came by, Sofapaka had a glorious opportunity to win the match in the 73rd minute with Ben Stanley seeing his effort coming off the upright after well-worked move.
Ulinzi Stars head coach Bernard Mwalala threw his last dice in stoppage time by introducing keeper Slyvian Ricks in preparation for the penalties. When the kicks came, Ulinzi who were the first to take their kicks scored through Hillary Simiyu, Bernard Ongoma, Boniface Muchiri, Enosh Ochieng and Omar Mbongi. Sofapaka scored through Simon Abuko, Levian Ochieng, Jacob Panoam, and Roy Okal with Okola seeing his kick coming off the crossbar.
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