Korogez and Eastleigh South qualified for Koth Biro semi finals

Debutants Korogez and Eastleigh South sailed through to the semis of the ongoing KothBiro soccer tournament after winning their respective quarter final matches on Wednesday at Umeme Grounds,Ziwani,Nairobi.

Korogez from Gikomba Market ousted  perennial competitors Ruaraka All Stars  4-2 via post match penalties after the two sides had settled for 3-3 draw in regular time.

Clement Reis gave Korogez the opener in the 12th minute before Erick Kipkurui of Ruaraka All Stars leveled the score 12 minutes later.

Ruaraka’s 17 year old Kalou ‘Iniesta’ Mani scored the second to put his side in the lead in the 27th minute.

Ruaraka’s celebration was short-lived after Korogez’s Issa Charo equalized in the 35th minute to send the match into the breather with the scores tied at 2-2.    

Ruaraka’s Erick Kipkirui scored his second of the match and a third one  in 65th minute but Korogez levelled through  Wellingtone Ochieng with four minutes to play forcing the match to be decided through penalty kicks.

Korogez Coach Polosa Odera was ecstatic after the win.

“We are happy for the win. We conceded two goals because of laxity but then chased the ball and equalized,” said Polosa.

“We played a great game. We lost many chances but also took advantage of the ones we had and scored three goals. We hope to work on our defense in the next match. We lost out of our own naivety,” Ruaraka All Stars Coach Cyril Peter Otieno said.

In another quarter final staged Wednesday Eastleigh South from Eastleigh beat former winners Kingstone FC 5-4 through penalties after  the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Julius Kasera scored for Eastleigh South while Julius Muhia scored for Kingstone FC.

Kothbiro organizer Paul Ojenge has appealed for more funds to help them raise the prize money and also pay tournament officials.

Ojenge has appreciated SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri for paying part of the money Sportpesa owed the tournament.

“We are still appealing for more organizers to come through and help us raise the prize money. The tournament officials like referees also need to be paid their dues for the smooth running of the finals,” stated Polosa.

The Semi Finals are scheduled Saturday 28th January 2023 while Finals will be played on the 4th of February 2023.

KothBiro 

Quarter Finals

Thursday,January 26th 2023

Dandora New Saints Vs Wendani All Stars

Leeds United Vs Soka Talent