Mozzart Bet Cup: Simiyu the hero as Tusker floor Sharks to sail to last eight

Tusker head coach Julien Mette has consistently identified the Mozzart Bet Cup as the most realistic avenue for the Brewers to end their five-year trophy drought.

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Since his arrival in February, the French tactician has maintained that the FKF Premier League title is currently beyond their reach, citing the team’s inconsistent form throughout the campaign.

Underscoring his focus on the Cup, Mette guided his side to the quarterfinals, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

Although Sharks controlled large portions of the match and restricted Tusker to fewer than three shots on target, the 2016 champions capitalized on a single chance, with Ian Simiyu netting the decisive goal.

First half

Tusker took the lead, against the run of play in the eighth minute minute, through Simiyu, whose low and hard driven shot sailed past the fully-stretching Sébastian Wekesa.

The winger collected a simple pass from Erick Kapaito at the halfway line, making good use of the oceans of space to drive all the way to the box where he successfully pulled the trigger.

It was not an isolated case of Sharks losing possession deep in the Tusker half,only to be caught flat-footed on the counterattack, as Simiyu had a similar chance three minutes earlier but his cutback to Ibrahim Joshua was well read.

Barely two minutes after conceding, Sharks were lucky not to be reduced to ten men as their skipper, Luke Otiala, aggressively caught Fabian Adikiny's knee late.

The high boot challenge only earned the central defender a caution from the centre referee, Edwin Mang'oli, who was well-placed to spot the foul on the defensive team midfielder.

Another lengthy stoppage was witnessed in the 13th minute after Joshua hurt Wekesa, while attempting to poke the ball home from the melee triggered by yet another electric run by Simiyu on the right.

The Tanzanian striker would display sportmanlike conduct, taking a long walk from his half to offer a hand of apology to the Sharks custodian after the medics exited.

Before the wave of fouls, Sharks were seeing much of the ball, with exciting and build up but Tusker managed to contain them, often relying on counterattacks in their bid to put the result beyond doubt.

The duo of Collins Odhiambo and Francis Oduor worked overtime to deny Sharks' dangerman and Humphrey Aroko any breathing space, occasionally committing tactical fouls on the youngster and monitoring his movements closely .

Sharks first half meaningful chance came in the 34th minute, with Aroko and Zablon Kutela exchanging neat passes on the right, only for Victor Ngume to head the well-delivered ball wide.

With a few minutes remaining in the first half, Aroko forced Tusker shot stopper Pavelh Ndzila to throw his palms on the line, stretching to deflect a devilish delivery to safety.

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Second half

Before the Mang'oli got the second half underway, both teams threw in fresh legs to influence the tie in their favour.

Tusker brought on Thomas Omole for Simiyu, with Sharks bringing on goalkeeper Collins Omondi for Wekesa, while Razel Omondi replaced Markvivian Kesa.

Hardly a minute into the half, Aroko nearly scored a worldie after spotting Ndzila off the line, but the Congo Brazzaville glove man redeemed himself, retreating quickly to make a save.

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Recognising the growing threat from Sharks, coach Julien Mette turned to his bench in the 58th minute picking experienced midfielder Dennis Iguma, who replaced Joshua.

The change saw Kapaito, who was tasked with supplying ammunition to Joshua, move to his preferred central forward position, with Mette opting for a midfield made up of defensive minded players in: Iguma, Adikiny and Chrispine Erambo.

Despite the raft of changes, another shot of target remained elusive as action was largely concentrated in midfield.

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With Servyl Akouala caution away from taking the long walk-Mettle brought in Dennis Wanjala to replace him, with Bless Bakai filling the gap left by Stephen Etyang.

Still, a shot on target from either side remained elusive although Tusker appeared to seize control of the proceedings.

Armstrong Omondi, a youngster introduced earlier on to replace the Keegan Ndemi will have himself to blame after failing to draw Sharks level in the 81st minute .

Positioned less than five yards from the goal line, Omondi blasted the ball over the bar after Ndzila had palmed the first ball into his path .

Sharks threw everything at the Tusker area, in the dying minutes of the game, but Ndzila commanded his area well, pulling decent saves to see his side make it to the quarterfinals.