Oyoo eyes Golden Boot as Sisi Ni Dola Cup quarter-finals take shape

The battle for the Golden Boot has intensified as the second edition of the Sisi Ni Dola Cup enters the quarter-final stage, with defending champions Fayaz FC striker Joshua Oyoo and Juve FC's Lemayan Enock tied at the top of the scoring charts with five goals each.

Oyoo however has the upper hand in the race after Juve FC were eliminated in the Round of 16, leaving the Fayaz forward with a clear opportunity to claim the tournament's top scorer award.

He will face stiff competition from Azzam United striker Salim Mzara, who has netted four goals and remains in contention as his side prepares for their quarter-final clash.

Hassan Kipapa, Sports Officer at Dola Company, said the Golden Boot race remains wide open despite Oyoo's advantage.

"Oyoo will face stiff competition from Mzara, who is closing in with four goals. Yesterday Emmanuel Nyamawi also scored twice, so the pressure in the Golden Boot race is huge and the award remains open to all the players," said Kipapa.

Kipapa added that the race for the Golden Glove is equally competitive, with Nyundo FC goalkeeper Francis Katana leading the clean-sheet standings after keeping four consecutive shutouts.

"We also have stiff competition in the Golden Glove award, with Francis Katana of Nyundo leading the clean-sheet chart with four games without conceding a goal. He is a Bandari Youth player with great potential and also experienced in these kinds of tournaments," he added.

Meanwhile, Green Eagles became the first team to book a place in the semi-finals after a commanding 4-0 victory over Likoni United in Wednesday's opening quarter-final at Mombasa Sports Club.

Green Eagles struck twice in each half, with winger Ali Washe and Kassim Beuchi finding the net before halftime, while striker Emmanuel Nyamawi sealed the emphatic victory with a second-half brace.

Green Eagles head coach Davies Ikocheli, popularly known as "Coach Suka," praised his players for executing the game plan perfectly.

"We played according to our plan and I'm happy we got the win. It was not an easy game," said Ikocheli.

Likoni United head coach Wycliff Randa blamed his side's poor start for the heavy defeat but remained proud of his players' effort.

"We started slowly and that's why we were punished. Our opponents were also more experienced than us, but I'm happy we gave our best and we bow out of the tournament with our heads held high," said Randa.

The quarter-finals continue on Thursday with Nabadda FC taking on Nyundo FC, before Al Shifaa face Mombasa Sports Club on Friday.

Defending champions Fayaz FC will then meet Kwale's Azzam United in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final showdown on Sunday.