Africa-Press – Kenya. Hosts Impala face Nondies in a Ngong Road derby showdown as the Floodlit tournament enters the semifinal stage on Saturday.
Louis Kisia’s charges were given a scare by Mwamba in the quarterfinals before winning 24-21 in extra time, thanks to the accurate boot of Quinto Ongo. Nondies beat Strathmore Leos 27-21.
The two sides met at the same stage last year, with Impala winning 9-6. Head coach Louis Kisia expects another hard-fought battle.
“It’s going to be a tough contest if the result of last year is anything to go by. Nondies are a well-coached side and have a pedigree. We are playing at home and want to carry the momentum from the win over Mwamba to this one and perform well,” observed Kisia.
The changing weather and rain forecast could make the forwards’ battle decisive.
“The conditions were wet and tricky last weekend. It demands that we play in the right areas and maximise opportunities in attack,” said Kisia.
He will rely on skipper Tyson Okoth, Joshua Matasi, Victor Imela and Reagan Juma in the forward pack. At the same time, David Nyangige, Patrick Mutuku and Quinto Ongo will provide pace and incisive running in the backs.
Nondies coach Moses Wanyaga said last weekend’s win over Strathmore was an eye-opener. He will make tactical adjustments ahead of the clash.
“We learnt a lot from the win (against Leos). Our attack has to be sharper, as does our set-piece. Adjusting to the conditions will play a big role, especially with the prevailing wet weather,” noted Wanyaga.
“We missed a couple of kickable penalties which would have given us a solid buffer, so in training this week we have instructed our kickers to be accurate in that regard ahead of the match.”
Wanyaga will bank on a robust forward pack led by skipper Steve Odhaimbo, Charles Omondi, Zachary Marrowa and Ambrose Ouko. New signing Lameck Ambetsa, Ronnie Omondi, Bruce Odhaimbo and Tony Fidens will be key in the backline.
The first semifinal will see champions Menengai Oilers face Blak Blad at 5:40 pm.
The morning belongs to the varsity category, where USIU meet Daystar Falcons, while JKUAT Cougars take on Zetech Oaks.
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