Kenyan side Kariobangi sharks on Sunday evening defeated English premier league side Everton FC 4-3 in a post-match penalty shootout at a full packed Kasarani stadium to be crowned SportPesa Cup 2019 Champions.
Harambee stars striker Duke Abuya scored the first goal for Sharks in the 28th minute causing the packed stadium to flare up into wild cheers of joy.
Abuya won unexpected tackle against Everton’s left back Leighton Baines to tap the ball into an empty net.
Former Arsenal player Theo Walcott was, however, isolated but erupted in the 39th minute after delivering a cross from the right flank which saw Nathan Broadhead sending it over the bar.
Everton’s Joe Williams however made it 1-1 in the 62nd minute through a free kick after a contravention had occurred at the edge of the box.
The sides were held at 1-1 after 90 minutes forcing the penalty shootout moment to find the winner.
Sven Yidah, Brian Bwire, George Abege, and Geoffrey Lemu all converted their spot kicks, Duke Abuya losing his.
Kariobangi Sharks led by manager Willium Muluya acquired a ticket to play Everton in January after thrashing Bandari fc 1-0 in the SportPesa Cup final which took place in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania.
After the match Muluya expressed his happiness saying the win was a positive eye opener not just for him but for the players too.
“Not only to me is this match an eye opener but also to the players. They now know that anything to them is possible and this is a good motivation before heading to the new KPL season,” said Muluya.
This is Everton’s second visit to East Africa after they first travelled to Tanzania in July 2017 to face the maiden sportpesa super cup winners Gor Mahia, a game which saw the Toffees win 2-1.
Both teams however wore their new seasons kits for the first time which have been manufactured by apparel makers Umbro.