Late goals from David Shakai and William Aaron handed Cambridge Universal College (CUSCO) a 3-1 victory against Medico Sportiff in a friendly match played at the Eldoret GK prisons Primary School today.
With both teams aiming to compete in major tournaments come June, enjoyed a goalless first half of the match before tables were turned in the second half between the students and medical service providers based in Eldoret.
CUSCO’s Dennis Igunza opened the score to hand his side a 1-0 lead but that lasted for ten minutes before Mackenzie Frankline leveled from his left foot shot in the opponent’s box following a scuffle from the corner.
With a few minutes into the final whistle, Shakai was on target, restoring the lead for the students with 2-1 and Aaron sealed the 3-1 victory.
The winners head coach Francis Okoth attributed the win to the bench after making various substitutes to solidify the team.
“We had so many scoring chances in the first half but we did not manage to do so. Failing to convert because our forwards were not aggressive enough. After the break, we made some changes, correcting first half mistakes to score goals. The changes helped us to score the three goals since we are focusing on every player to get an opportunity to prove themselves inside the field,” said Okoth.
He added that the friendly was a buildup match ahead of Madaraka Day Tournament set for 64 stadium.
“Such friendlies are good buildup for the tournaments by strengthening, creating confidence and capability for the boys ahead of other matches,” added Okoth.
At the opposing corner was Medico Sportiff captain Wilson Owino who attributed the loss to a youthful pacey team.
“As captain, I must say that we faced a young pacey team, who outpaced us but we just played a holding game, sitting back and conceding very late in the game. Cusco have been very good opponents for us and we keep on improving day by day,” he said.
He added: “This match is a buildup ahead of June 1st tournament against other medics from other regions in the counties. Our game today was to harness our skills and correct mistakes we have been facing. Though we lost, it was a very good opportune to correct mistakes in preparations for the June tournament. These are the kind of games that we keep on playing every Sunday to maintain fitness and tactically equipped.”