'He Was Lazy' - Sofapaka Coach on Brutal Reason Behind First Half Substitution of Crucial Striker in Gor Mahia Loss

Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana has revealed the brutal reason behind his decision to haul off striker Joseph Kuloba during their 2-0 defeat to Gor Mahia in their second SportPesa Premier League clash of the season at Dandora Stadium.

Akwana made the call in the 32nd minute, replacing Kuloba with Ronald Muchimba in a bid to regain momentum after a sluggish start. However, despite the tactical switch, K’Ogalo held firm to collect all three points.

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Speaking to Azam TV after the match, a visibly frustrated Akwana—who guided Sofapaka to an impressive seventh-place finish last season—was far from pleased with his side’s overall display, admitting they were second best throughout the afternoon.

“He was being lazy. Not the Kuloba we know,” Akwana said when explaining his bold first-half substitution.

“He was mispassing balls and was not receiving the ball between the lines and spaces. He was just dropping deep. I think something must have been affecting him and he probably did not say it.

“He did not work the way we intended and wanted.”

Akwana also criticised his team’s lack of cutting edge in the attacking third, singling out his midfield for failing to link play effectively.

“We did not play well at all. My midfield was not functioning. The defence did well but the midfield did not, so we have to address it seriously in training,” he said.

Both Gor Mahia goals were scored by Ghanaian winger Ebenezer Adukwaw, with the second particularly eye-catching as he spotted Sofapaka goalkeeper Victor Kamungo off his line and lobbed him from near the halfway mark.

The first was awarded by the referees after clearly crossing the line before being hoofed away.

Despite conceding twice, Akwana praised his shot-stopper’s overall performance.

“Victor played well. My defence and the keeper did well today. The first goal was fair because it crossed the line.

“I cannot blame anyone for the second goal. We were playing in the opponent’s half and the goalkeeper has to be the spare man. He was unfortunately lobbed, but he did well otherwise.”

Looking ahead, Akwana stressed the need for improved efficiency in the attacking third if Sofapaka are to bounce back.

“We have to work on our effectiveness in the final third. We need to retain the ball in that side of the pitch better and then find a way to take our chances.”