Dandora, Nairobi – The 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup champions, Kariobangi Sharks, secured their place in this year’s semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over National Super League side SS Assad in the quarterfinal match at Dandora Stadium on Sunday. Veteran striker John Makwata’s goal just after the half-hour mark was the deciding factor in a match that saw Sharks prevail over spirited opposition.
Kariobangi Sharks entered the match as strong favorites, boasting their FKF Premier League experience and facing a second-tier opponent with a poor away record. However, SS Assad surprised many by holding their ground in the early stages, matching Sharks toe-to-toe in a tight contest.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Makwata capitalized on a half chance to put Sharks ahead. He deftly controlled a cross from the right, skillfully wrong-footed the Assad defenders, and struck home to give his team the lead. The goal shifted the momentum in Sharks’ favor, allowing them to control the pace for the remainder of the first half.
In the second half, Sharks dominated possession but struggled to convert chances into goals. Despite numerous opportunities from Makwata, Geoffrey Onyango, Julius Masaba, and Moses Shikanda, SS Assad’s goalkeeper Ngare Said put up a resilient performance, denying the Premier League side from extending their lead.
While Sharks largely controlled the game, they still faced a late scare in the 86th minute when SS Assad’s Lazo Nangela had a golden opportunity to equalize. However, Nangela’s shot missed the target, letting the Sharks off the hook. This was SS Assad’s best chance of the game, but they couldn’t capitalize.
Ultimately, Makwata’s lone goal stood as the match-winner, propelling Kariobangi Sharks into the semifinals, where they will face KCB. The Sharks’ coach, William Muluya, expressed relief at the result, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by SS Assad and emphasizing the need to improve their finishing ahead of their semifinal clash.
The result marked an improvement for Sharks compared to last season, when they exited the Mozzart Bet Cup at the quarterfinal stage. With their sights now set on the semifinals, Sharks will need to sharpen their attack and build on this narrow victory to secure a place in the final.
Despite the loss, SS Assad’s performance was commendable, given their underdog status. The National Super League side displayed resilience and kept the game competitive against their higher-tier opponents. While their cup journey ends here, the team can take pride in their spirited effort against a more experienced side.