NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kariobangi Sharks FC will represent Kenya at the 2019 Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Confederations Cup after beating Sofapaka FC 3-2 in the final of the domestic Cup on Saturday in Nairobi.
George Abege struck a brace for the winners who also pocketed 20,000 U.S. dollars in prize money as they made history by winning their first ever trophy since they came into existence in 2000.
Sharks, who finished third in 2016 and were losing finalists last year took the lead in the 27th minute when Abege opened the scoring when he latched onto a through ball from Harrison Mwendwa and scored with a low left footed strike past Wycliffe Kasaya in the Sofapaka goal.
However, their opponents who were seeking a fourth cup win following their successes in 2007, 2010 and 2014 hit back and made it 1-1 three minutes to the break.
Sofapaka came out stronger in the second half as Kevin Kimani netted their second goal with a diving header before the hour mark.
That was the cue for Sharks to stage a roaring comeback as their head coach, William Muluya, made an inspired substitution, bringing on Sydney Lokale for Henry Juma.
The change proved to be a masterstroke when the new man made it 2-2 in the 80th with a terrific header to set up a tense finish to the contest.
Five minutes later, Sharks completed the turn around when Abege made capital of a defensive mistake and lashed on to the ball, side-footing it past Wycliffe Kasaya in the Sofapaka goal for 3-2.
There was still time for Kimani to sky a penalty that could have made the dramatic game 3-3 and try as they might, Sofapaka could not find the equalizer as Sharks celebrated an epic victory in a virtually empty stadium.
