Wazito toss Nairobi Water out of SportPesa Shield
Nairobi Water's left back Bosire Alea (right) tends to go past Wazito's Salim Akatha during their SportPesa Shield first round match at Camp Toyoyo grounds on June 2, 2018. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO |
What you need to know:
- Earlier on at the same venue, Paschal Bia scored a hat-trick to guide Kenpoly to a 3-0 win over Savannah Cement and advance to the second round.
SportPesa Premier League (SPL) side Wazito put three past hapless Nairobi Water in the 2018 SportPesa Shield in a round of 64 match at Camp Toyoyo grounds on Saturday.
Earlier on at the same venue, Paschal Bia scored a hat-trick to guide Kenpoly to a 3-0 win over Savannah Cement and advance to the second round.
Ibrahim Mao put Wazito ahead with a sumptuous free kick from outside the area in the 37th minute after he had been fouled by Juma Okoth.
Wazito, who looked lethargic in the opening half, came back hungrier after the restart.
Salim Akatha doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a pile driver from inside the box after turning his marker inside out.
Kennedy Ayako scored the third 10 minutes from time.
“I am pleased with how the boys played especially in the second half, we dictated play and deserved the win. We now shift focus to the next round,” said Wazito coach Frank Ouna, whose next assignment is against last year's losing finalists Kariobangi Sharks in the last 32.
His opposite number Dennis Mambo said the have picked up vital lessons from the match which will be important in their quest for Nairobi Regional league title.
“Wazito is a tactical side and superb in defending, which was our weakness and we are delighted to have played them because they are playing at a higher tier,” Mambo told Nation Sport after the game.
Ouna made a raft of changes from the team regularly fielded in league matches.
Steve Njunge started in between the sticks while Oliver Kilonzo, Ricky Onimbo and Emmanuel Tienan partnered in defence.
David Oswe and Samson Ndegwa combined in the midfield with Kennedy Ayako leading the striking force in the absence of club's top scorer Pistone Mutamba, who joined Sofapaka earlier this week before jetting out with Harambee Stars for India where Kenya is participating in the International Hero Cup.
Nairobi Water, who lost to Gor Mahia in the round of 64 last year, had Kevin Idalia in between the sticks supported by Juma Okoth and Moses Shisia while Elijah Tsavai led the attacking line.
