Sofapaka face acid test from tricky Finlays
Sofapaka face acid test from tricky Finlays
Finlays FC on the bench in previous match
Ambitious Sofapaka tackle nationwide side Finlays FC in the third quarter finals match of the GOtv Shied Cup this afternoon aware that a loss to the Naivasha based side will leave their season in tatters.
Though second on the league table on 40 pints, seven shy of leaders Gor Mahia, the Batoto Ba Mungu will need more than a magic if not divine intervention to eclipse Gor to the diadem.
As such, the Domestic Cup presents them with the real chance of bagging the trophy after two successive failed attempts against K’Ogalo.
In 2012 and 2011 they were pipped to the crown by Gor and as they confront the Sammy Okoth coached side this afternoon at the Nyayo national stadium, their goal would be to correct the wrongs of the past to reclaim the title they last won in 2010.
Both Sofapaka skipper James Situma and head coach Sam Timbe have stressed the need of winning the competition to guarantee continental football next season but this largely depends on how they play this afternoon.
Though Sofapaka boasts of experienced players within its rank, Finlays cannot be undermined.
Dubbed as the underdogs, the Naivasha based “flower men” have defied the odds humbling top seeds like KCB and Bandari en-route the quarters and Sofapaka will have to worry.
The ‘flower boys’’ head coach Sammy Okoth has already sounded a warning shot saying his boys will not be intimidated by big names within the opposition.
“We are in this competition to win to represent the country in the Caf- competitions next year and we do not fear Sofapaka” he said.
The last time the two sides met in the same competition was way back in the 2007 finals where Finlays narrowly lost to Sofapaka - then in the lower tier league.
Fact file
-Finlays is the only lower tier side still participating in the Domestic Cup
-Enroute the quarters Final, they knocked out league side KCB and Bandari
Venue- Nyayo national stadium
Prediction
Sofapaka2-0 Finlays