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Big guns advance to Mozzart Bet Cup last 16

Ovella Ochieng

AFC Leopards' Ovella Ochieng (right) beats Kenya Police's Aboud Omar to the ball during their FKF Premier League match on March 4, 2025 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County. 

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

By  Cecil Odongo

Reporter

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Compel FC coach George Mutimba remains optimistic despite only five lower-league teams making it to the round of 16.
  • “We have to fight and break more records, but I’m optimistic we shall get past the quarter-final stage. It will be a great honor if a division one team like us wins this cup and gets to the continental stage,” said Mutimba.

Top clubs in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) progressed to the Mozzart Bet Cup round of 16 over the weekend, with lower-tier teams bowing out of the competition.

Defending champions Kenya Police, Gor Mahia, Shabana, Bidco United, Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Murang’a Seal secured their spots on Sunday after overcoming their opponents with ease. They joined Bandari, KCB, Kenya Police, and Kariobangi Sharks, who advanced on Saturday.

A major upset saw Tusker FC eliminated by Nairobi United, who triumphed 5-4 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Dandora Stadium.

Related

Meanwhile, the fate of AFC Leopards and Mara Sugar hangs in the balance following the aborted match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday.

The game was halted after the referee controversially rescinded a penalty decision in the 83rd minute, sparking outrage from Leopards fans, who stormed the pitch. Security personnel had to intervene to protect the match officials, leading to the game’s abandonment. The Leagues and Competitions Committee is expected to make a ruling on the match outcome.

Beyond Nairobi United, only four non-FKF-PL teams advanced to the next round. Compel FC from Webuye, last year’s quarter-finalists, Kibera Soccer, Kapenguria United, and Denmark FC from Kwale County all booked their places in the round of 16.

Kapenguria United edged Kakamega Veterans 4-3 on penalties at Mumias Sports Complex after a 1-1 draw, while Denmark FC defeated Donholm Seniors 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time at Kwale Stadium.

Gor Mahia, the 2021 champions, delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over the highly-touted Githurai All Stars at Dandora Stadium, while 2023 champions Kenya Police narrowly edged Samitsi 1-0 at Mumias Sports Complex.

Elsewhere, Ulinzi Stars recorded the biggest win of the weekend with a 6-0 thrashing of Jumbo T FC at Kinoru Stadium. Shabana FC also impressed, securing a 5-1 win over Plantech FC at Gusii Stadium.

Shabana, who unveiled their new team jersey, saw Brian Michira score a hat-trick, while Vincent Nyabuto and Moses Shikanda added a goal each.

Compel FC coach George Mutimba remains optimistic despite only five lower-league teams making it to the round of 16.
“We have to fight and break more records, but I’m optimistic we shall get past the quarter-final stage. It will be a great honor if a division one team like us wins this cup and gets to the continental stage,” said Mutimba.