Nairobi City Stars

Tag: Betway Cup

Betway Cup: City Stars advance

An Ezekiel Odera goal in the 23rd minute of the first half is all Nairobi City Stars needed to see off Fortune Sacco 1-0 at the Kianyaga Stadium to proceed past Betway Cup round of 32 on Tuesday 1 June 2021.

Odera scored when he got to the end of a bouncing ball that outwitted keeper Martin Nderitu who failed to contain Sven Yidah’s cross into the box. With ease, Odera controlled the ball before placing it to an empty net.

Betway Cup: Seven changes against Fortune Sacco

Inside ten minutes, Fortune Sacco had fired two freekicks the City Stars way. The second was more dangerous as former Sony Sugar midfielder Vincent Oti Owino headed it marginally wide.

In the 12th minute, Fortune Sacco target man Elijah Mwanzia was well-positioned outside the box but had a feeble shot on goal that failed to trouble keeper Jacob Osano in City Stars goal

Five minutes later his counterpart Jesse Ngei fired just wide as the hosts continued to set the tone of the game as cheered on by their fans.

Then it switched City Stars way and 19 minutes into the game, striker Erick Ombija headed skipper Calvin Masawa’s corner wide.

Minutes later the near-miss led to a no-miss as Odera cooly finished off what was initiated by Yidah for the lone goal of the game.

Fortune Sacco were unfortunate in Kianyaga Grounds

FULL MATCH REPORT [https://t.co/birVAeU5PA]
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Match Highlights#BetWayCup #???????ℕ?????? pic.twitter.com/g5O6nf0DPZ

— Official Nairobi City Stars Fc (@NrbCityStars) June 2, 2021

Minutes to the half hour mark, Fortune Sacco wasted two more freekicks as City Stars responded with two shots on goal, both blocked, by Elvis Noor Ojiambo.

Ebrima Sanneh, City Stars top scorer in domestic Cup competitions (6 goals), failed to narrow his header goalward in the 37th minute after being served up perfectly by an Ojiambo freekick.

Action in the first half ended when Mwanzia, while in the box, fired backward, instead of goalward, after being picked perfectly by a precise Nicodemus Okanga pass from the right.

Within the first quarter of the second half, Ombija had two promising chances to score but missed both.

To add fluidity upfront, Fortune Sacco coach Frank Kim brought in Babu Kisayi for Jacob Wangui at the hour mark.

Two minutes after the changes, Sanneh failed to connect to Edwin Buliba’s high cross from the right, and, in end-to-end action, Fortune Sacco had an immediate response on the other end when Mwanzia got to the end of a cross from Okanga only to fire across goal to the dismay of his coaches.

Minutes later, with a clear view of the goal, Fortune Sacco’s Shadrack Kawa skied a shot after another good cross from Okanga.

As the game wore on, City Stars had the chance to increase their lead but two attempts by Ojiambo and Ombija, and a header from stopper Wycliffe Otieno all went begging.

Fortune Sacco tweaked their game a little by bringing on homeboy Bonface Njeru for Kawa to great applause from the home fans.

City Stars then rolled down the clock with the arrival of Davis Beast Agesa and Nicholas Kikpkirui for Maloba and Ombija, respectively, in added time.

With the win, City Stars proceeds to the round of 16 to face either Sofapaka or Ulinzi Stars on Sunday 6 June 2021.

City Stars earned a date with Fortune Sacco in the round of 32 after seeing off Mutomo Tigers 4-1 during the starting game of the tournament back in mid-February 2021 at the Kitui Stadium.

Lineups

Fortune Sacco: 1. Melvin Nderitu (GK), 15. Nepot Mwangi, 11. Isaiah Ongwe, 14. Brian Mandela, 12. Henry Kinyua, 2. Shadrack Kawa (8. Bonface Njeru-74), 3. Jacob Wangui (10. Babu Kisayi-60), 6. Vincent Owino, 13. Jesse Ngei, 16. Nicodemus Okanga, 17. Elijah Mwanzia

Unsused subs: 1. Quelen Awange, 5. Omar Sarai, 7. Ronald Mendo, 4. Ziyadi Kiwanuka, 9. Brian Omondi

Coach: Frank Kim, Team Manager: Julius Kariuki

Nairobi City Stars: 16. Jacob OSano (GK), 12. Edwin Buliba, 4. Salim Abdalla, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 8. Calvin Masawa, 18. Sven Yidah, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 21. Oliver Maloba (17. Nicholas Kipkirui-90+2), 24. Erick Ombija (Davis Agesa-90+3), 32. Ezekiel Odera (Herit Mungai-79), 29. Ebrima Sanneh (7. Rodgers Okumu-69)

Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 25. Kenedy Onyango, 5. Wesley Onguso, 10. Peter Opiyo, 30. Anthony Kimani

Coach: Sanjn Alagic, Team Manager: Noah Abich

Yellow cards: Fortune Sacco – 8. Bonface Njeru-89, 10. Babu Kisayi-90+5//Nairobi City Stars – 32. Ezekiel Odera-23, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-43, 16. Jacob Osano (67), 21. Oliver Maloba-88

June 1, 2021
Betway Cup: Seven changes against Fortune Sacco

Head coach Sanjin Alagic has tweaked his troops ahead of a Betway Cup round 32 trip to Kianyaga Stadium where City Stars will take on host Fortune Sacco on Tuesday 1 June 2021 starting 2pm.

There are several changes to the squad that hit Mutomo Tigers 4-1 in Kitui in Mid February to book Fortune Sacco, a team chasing promotion to the premier league from the National Super League.

Midfielders Sven Yidah, Oliver Maloba and Peter Opiyo, striker Nicholas Kipkirui, field skipper Anthony Kimani, stoppers Salim Abdalla, and Edwin Buliba, are the new additions to the lot that triumphed in Kitui.

The seven take up the places of Bolton Omwenga, Kevin Okumu, Timothy Noor Ouma, John Kamau, Vincent Otieno Okoth, Azizi Okaka, and Charles Otieno who received a straight red card against Mutomo Tigers.

Starting keeper Stephen Njunge, who has featured in all 19 premier league games so far, has been given a worthy rest leaving his understudies Jacob Osano who tended goal in Kitui, and Elvis Ochoro to contest a starting place in Kianyaga.

Elvis Noor Ojiambo, Rodgers Okumu, Davis Agesa, Ebrima Sanneh, and Erick Ombija who came on second-half substitutes in Kitui all make the trip as well as defenders Calvin Masawa, Herit Mungai Atariza, and Kenedy Onyango who were unused subs.

Wycliffe Otieno, Wesley Onguso, and Ezekiel Odera, who all started against Mutomo Tigers complete the squad.

Head-to-head

City Stars heads to the game on a high of two straight premier league wins over Sofapaka (3-0) and Kariobangi Sharks (2-1) and will hope to continue with that run on Tuesday.

Simba wa Nairobi has once been in Kianyaga to face Fortune Sacco; back on 20th January 2019 during a ninth-round National Super League tie in the shortened 2018/19 season. It ended 2-2. The reverse game later in April ended 4-4 at Camp Toyoyo.

During the 2019/20 NSL season, City Stars hit Fortune Sacco 2-1 at Hope Center but never traveled for the return game as the season was cut short due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Sanjin’s comments

As the tie nears, this is what head coach Sanjin had to say;

“The atmosphere is great after two big wins. We enter this match full of self-confidence,”

“The (Betway) Cup is a difficult competition and if you are not at your best level the other team can surprise you,”

“Fortune Sacco is currently going good in the National Super League (4th after 19 rounds). We play at their ground so they will be a tough opponent to beat,”

“But I’m confident that we will continue with our good performance and qualify for the next round.” summed the coach

20-man squad to face Fortune Sacco

Goalkeepers: 16. Jacob Osano, 1. Elvis Ochoro

Defenders: 8. Calvin Masawa, 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 5. Wesley Onguso, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 12. Edwin Buliba

Midfielders: 10. Peter Opiyo, 21. Oliver Maloba, 18. Sven Yidah, 30. Anthony Kimani, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo,

Strikers: 11. Davis Agesa, 24. Erick Ombija, 32. Ezekiel Odera, 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui

Not considered: 6. Ronney Kola, 14. Rowland Makati (both on loan at Nairobi Stima), 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 26. Bolton Omwenga, 19. Kevin Okumu, 3. Charles Otieno (suspended), 27. Azizi Okaka, 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 15. John Kamau, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth

Azizi Okaka during a round 64 Betway Cup against Mutomo Tigers on Sat 13 Feb 2021 at Kitui Stadium. Simba wa Nairobi won it 4-1 to progress to round of 32

Kevin ‘Çhumsy’ Okumu of Nairobi City Stars against a Mutomo Tigers player during a round 64 Betway Cup tie at Kitui Stadium on Sat 13 Feb 2021. City Stars came from behind to win 4-1

City Stars flyer Rodgers ‘Okuse’ Okumu in action against Mutomo Tigers at Kitui Stadium on Sat 13 Feb 2021 during a round 64 Betway Cup. City Stars won 4-1

May 31, 2021
Betway Cup: New dates revealed

The second round Betway Cup clash between Nairobi City Stars and Fortune Sacco, originally set for 18 April 2021, will now be played on Tuesday 1 June 2021 in Muranga.

The new date was confirmed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after revision of their original calendar that was rendered inapplicable following indefinite suspension of Sports in late March due to rise in Corona virus numbers.

According to the revised dates, all second round games will be played on 1-2 June.

Winning teams will then proceed to the round of 16 and face of the next weekend on Sat 5 or Sun 6 June 2021.

Another four days later, on Wed 9 or Thur 10 June, round of 16 winners will feature in the semis and another four days later, Sat 12 of Sun 13 June, have been reserved for the semis.

According to FKF, the crush programe has been necessitated by the need to register a representative for the CAF Confederations Cup by close of June 2021.

“We wish to bring to your attention the directive from CAF for all Federations to submit their representative Clubs in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup on or before 30th June 2021,”

“In view of the aforementioned, we have adjusted the Competitions Calendar and the Betway Cup Match . . .” said part communication from FKF

The date for the final was however not revealed.

Simba wa Nairobi booked a place in the round of 32 after coming from behind to see off Mutomo Tigers 4-1 at the Kitui Stadium in Mid February.

Simba wa Nairobi booked Fortune Sacco, one of the leading lights in the second tier, during a draw held on 19th February 2021.

Summary of new dates

Round of 32: 1st – 2nd June 2021

Round of 16: 5th – 6th June 2021

Quarter Finals: 9th – 10th June 2021

Semi Finals: 12th – 13th June 2021

Finals: To be Confirmed

A Draw to determine the Fixtures from the Round of 16 to the Finals shall be conducted next week (Date to be communicated).

May 20, 2021
Betway Cup: City Stars books Fortune Sacco in round 32

Second tier side Fortune Sacco now stands in the way of Nairobi City Stars romp to round 16 of the Betway Cup.

This is after Simba wa Nairobi was drawn against the National Super League (NSL) during a round 32 draw held at the Federation offices on Friday 19 February 2021.

Following the draw, City Stars will now travel to Kirinyaga to face the Fortune Sacco on the weekend of 17-18 April 2021.

“Being a knockout competition, and that Fortune Sacco will be at home, this has to be considered a very tough fixture,”

“But we will prepare accordingly for it come game day as we seek to compete much further up in the competition.” said team coordinator Samson Otieno who attended the draw.

For a place in round of 32, Simba wa Nairobi hit Mutomo Tigers 4-1 during the first round of the competition as Fortune Sacco escaped from the Coast with a 4-2 win on post match penalties over hosts FC Shells with whom they had drawn 2-2 in regulation time.

Round of 32 fixtures

Fortune Sacco vs Nairobi City Stars
Congo Boys / Gor Mahia vs CUSCO
Marafiki vs Tusker
Sofapaka vs Ulinzi Stars
AFC Leopards vs Posta Rangers
Malindi Progressive vs Luanda Villa
Bandari vs Dimba Patriots
Bungoma Superstars vs Nation FC
KCB vs Transfoc
Kariobangi Sharks vs Tandaza
Kajiado North vs Sigalagala TTI
Equity vs Keroka TTI
Twomoc vs Vegpro
Bidco United vs Twyford
Egerton vs Administration Police
Mara Sugar vs NYSA

Azizi Okaka shields off a Mutomo Tigers player during the first round of the Betway Cup in Kitui on Sat 13 February 2021. City Stars won it 4-1 to progress to round of 32

Wesley Onguso and Wycliffe Otieno chase the ball during a round 64 Betway Cup tie against Mutomo Rangers at Kitui Stadium on Sat 13 Feb 2021. City Stars won 4-1

Kevin ‘Çhumsy’ Okumu of Nairobi City Stars against a Mutomo Tigers player during a round 64 Betway Cup tie at Kitui Stadium on Sat 13 Feb 2021. City Stars came from behind to win 4-1

February 19, 2021
Coach Sanjin happy with Betway Cup progress

Nairobi City Stars head coach Sanjin Alagic is happy to have led the team to the Betway Cup round of 32.

This is after, while on his domestic Cup debut as coach, led Simba wa Nairobi to a 4-1 come-from-behind win over Mutomo Tigers at the Kitui Stadium on Saturday 13 February 2021.

“We are happy to go to the next round. It wasn’t a demanding match on paper and I decided to give a chance to players who haven’t played much this year in the Championship (Premier League),”

“Unfortunately I must say some didn’t use the opportunity to prove themselves and I had to throw in players I would have wanted to rest for the Championship match against Zoo,”

“That brought a necessary positive impact on the team and it took us to next round of the Cup.” added Sanjin

With an entry to the second round, City Stars will be looking out for the draw of round 32 set for Thur 18 February 2021.

Games in the next stage will be played on the weekend of 17-18 April 2021.

February 16, 2021

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