Mozzart Cup review: Matano lords over Zico, Homeboyz tick in Cup unlike the league

AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz set up a grudge semifinal while Tusker book a date with Ulinzi Stars.

The Mozzart Bet Cup quarter round will live long in the memory. From raining goals to eye catching outcomes and eventual match ups, the competition has thus far lived up to its billing. 

On Saturday, Tusker FC took on KCB for the second consecutive match in three days, while Sofapaka played Ulinzi Stars at the same venue, the Police Sacco Stadium. Here is a review of the round, and the talking points from the fixture.

1.Matano lords over Zico with two wins in three days

The Brewers hopes for the double were kept alive as beat KCB 2-0 courtesy of goals from Davis Odoyo and Deogracious Ojok.

The Bankers put Tusker through some amount of attacking pressure, but as they realized in the midweek league tie, Robert Matano’s men are experts at soaking up the pressure and hitting on the break, while also being capable of punishing mistakes.

Robert Matano was pleased that his side were able to get to the semi-finals.

‘The players played well and the pitch favored us. I am happy with the performance from my boys,” Matano said.

As has become to be expected of Zico, he did not turn up to face the press following the defeat, especially having lost two games consecutively to the same opponent. His assistant, Godfrey Oduor was asked to attend the interview on his behalf.

Oduor blamed individual mistakes for the side’s loss to the Brewers.

“I must congratulate Tusker for the win. We had our chances and we did not take them. Individual mistakes cost us the game and Tuser took advantage,” Oduor said.

2. Ulinzi Stars looking to make amends for their sorry league performance with cup triumph after penalising Sofapaka on penalties.

Immediately after the match, Ulinzi Stars took on Sofapaka at the same venue, where Boniface Muchiri put Ulinzi ahead in the 38th minute but Sofapaka leveled matters in the 42nd minute through Adis Panoam. Ulinzi created waves of attack afterwards but could not take them, but were fortunate enough to advance on penalties.

It has been a relatively disappointing season for Ulinzi in the league.Although they started the season aiming to win the league, they are 7th after 26 matches played havving ammased 40 points. 19 behind league leaders, Gor Mahia.

The Soldiers' head coach, Benard Mwalala insisted that getting to the last four of the competition was a chance to go all the way, and also stated Tusker’s focus on the league boards well with his side.

"We are meeting Tusker in the semifinals, and we have to use the advantage in that for them, they are fighting for both titles, and they might concentrate more on winning the premiership," he said.

Sofapaka coach, David Ouma regretted his side were not able to take the few chances they got, further blaming the crossbar for denying his players on penalties.

"Of course we had a good opportunity in the second half to win the game. We also had three clear cut opportunities in the game and we did not take them. If you do not take your chances , you get punished.  

Ulinzi started the game well but we were excellent in the second half. We went to penalties afterwards but got denied by the crossbar. "

3.Kakamega Homeboyz continue to defy league form to perform well in the cup

At the Kasarani Stadium a day later, Kakamega Homeboyz totally annihilated Kariobangi Sharks 6-1 to book their place in the semi-finals. A brace from Victor Ogolla in the second half, coupled by goals from Hillary Otieno, Kevin Amwai,Felicen Akanda and an unfortunate own goal by Geoffrey Onyango.

Sharks were not helped by the red card the returning captain Otiala received, which made their position worse.

Since Patrick Odhiambo took the reigns at the club in February, they started fairly slowly. He failed to get a win in his first four matches before getting 4 wins in his last 5 games. In that period, his side had never netted more than three goals in a single match. 

You can therefore understand why he  could not believe that his side had shown such a rampant display.

“We needed the result today. We worked hard. We wanted to win, but we did not expect this kind of margin. I am pleased with my boys' performance.”

Homeboyz  are now actually two  games away from  winning a major trophy, which  would be the first in their history.

Sharks’ boss William Muluya was practically speechless, suggesting the side were inferior in every department. They have now  lost five of their last six matches.

“I cannot explain it. The game ended in the first half with their first three goals. We just never got going in every department. We live to fight another day.”

4. Leopards' African dream kept alive with Bandari massacre.

Later, AFC Leopards’ ruthless finishing in the opening 25 minutes of their game against Bandari was enough to set up a date against Kakamega Homeboyz next month in the semi-finals.

Ingwe seem not to be affected by the absence of their fans, who boycotted from attending the Federation-organised fixture. They seemed to use it as fuel to  silence Bandari's smooth and provocative talk on social media.

Goals by captain Eugine Mukangula, Jaffari Owiti and an unfortunate own goal by Keegan Ndemi sealed the win for Patrick Aussems.

Bandari coach Anthony “Modo” Kimani explained that Leopards were able to exploit the gaps that his side created, costing him the match.

“It was a tough match. We knew if we gave Leopards space, they would destroy us. We gave them too many spaces in behind and conceded three early goals.”

‘We had a very good start. We made the game easy by scoring three goals in the opening 25 minutes. In the second half, we were able to control the game.”

Results:

Tusker FC 2-0 KCB

Sofapaka 1-1 Ulinzi (Ulinzi won 5-4 after extra time penalties)

Bandari FC 0-3 AFC Leopards

Kakamega Homeboyz 6-1 Sharks