KDF BEATEN

Cereals stop soldiers to win men's Super Cup crown

Çereals' Timothy Kirimi bagged six, Robert Maranga and Sande managed four, and William Malui three.

In Summary

•"Beating a team twice is not easy. We knew it was going to be a tight match but we were sure of emerging winners," said NCPB coach Dan Eshikumo.

•For KDF, Frank Kiplagat shot six, Imo and Noah Cheruiyot managed five each while Nicholas Ireri scored another three.

KDF's Kelvin Imo (C) tries to shoot against Peter Odhiambo and Clinton Maiko of NCPB during the Super Cup final at Nyayo Stadium
KDF's Kelvin Imo (C) tries to shoot against Peter Odhiambo and Clinton Maiko of NCPB during the Super Cup final at Nyayo Stadium
Image: .ERICK BARASA

National Cereals and Produce Board beat Kenya Defence Forces 29-26 in the final to retain the Super Cup at Nyayo National Stadium.

The millers got off to a superb start but the soldiers rallied smartly to lock the tie 9-9,  setting off a nip-and-tuck encounter to the delight of the crowd.

NCPB wasted two late penalties as halftime approached but they did well to hang on to a 15-14 margin as the two teams went into the breather.

After intermission, KDF came out roaring from the blocks, hitting the target time and again while sparking off a fiery exchange.

Both teams traded goals with the scores tying 15-15, 16-16, 17-17, 18-18, and 19-19 before NCPB's Timothy Kirimi score saw them off 20-19 with ten minutes to play.

Junior Kipngetich missed a penalty and before long Frank Sandé connected again as the winners confidently moved ahead 22-19.

John Wanje penalty followed by a Brian Makokha break-away goal had the scores 28-24 for NCPB.

Then KDF again wasted a chance, firing a penalty skywards with less than four minutes to play and this seemed to cost them dearly.

Kevin Imo hit a goal from the spot as they closed in 28-26 with just over a minute of action left. But Clinton Maiko cancelled it from a tight angle.

Çereals' Timothy Kirimi bagged six, Robert Maranga and Sande managed four, and William Malui three.

For KDF, Frank Kiplagat shot six, Imo and Noah Cheruiyot managed five each while Nicholas Ireri scored another three.

"Beating a team twice is not easy. We knew it was going to be a tight match but we were sure of emerging winners," said NCPB coach Dan Eshikumo.

"In the last half there were many ties and we did not manage to break away. But once we went two goals ahead,  it was only a matter of time and I knew it was as good as ours.

"NCPBs Theodora Sangoro who won both a player and a (Water Queens) coach summed it up. "It was a great day. The wins were not easy but we worked hard and deserved the trophies.