Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Subscribe for a month to get full access

Premium

Mozzart Bet Cup: Holders Kenya Police knocked out

Mara Sugar players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot out against Kenya Police during their  Mozzart Bet Cup quarter-final match at Dandora Stadium on May 25, 2025.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

By  Victor Otieno

Reporter

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Mara Sugar will now face Nairobi United in the semi-finals. Nairobi United recently secured promotion to next season’s Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) from the National Super League.

Holders Kenya Police were dumped out of the Mozzart Bet Cup after losing 9-8 on post-match penalties to Mara Sugar in the quarterfinals at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.

The result ended their hopes of clinching a league and cup double. The match had ended 1-1 in regular time before heading to the dramatic shootout.

Mara Sugar will now face Nairobi United in the semi-finals. Nairobi United recently secured promotion to next season’s Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) from the National Super League.

Related

The law enforcers are still well-positioned to win their maiden FKF-PL title. They need just one win from their remaining matches against Shabana and Gor Mahia to secure the crown.

Police currently top the FKF-PL standings with 61 points, six ahead of second-placed Tusker. Gor Mahia are third with 54 points, but have a game in hand against AFC Leopards.

10 men

Mara took an early lead in the ninth minute through Dennis Cheruiyot, but Kenya Police responded in the 30th minute when Brian Okoth slotted home from close range following sustained pressure.

The match took a turn in the 76th minute when Police were reduced to 10 men after defender David Ochieng received a second yellow card.

Anticipating a penalty shootout, Police coach Etienne Ndayiragije substituted goalkeeper Job Ochieng for Reuben Juma late in the game. However, the change had minimal effect. Juma, who stepped up to take a penalty himself, scored but made only one save during the shootout.

Clinton Kinanga gave Police a strong start by converting their first spot kick, but he missed in the second round. Mohammed Bajaber and Baraka Badi also failed to convert, sealing Police’s fate. Lameck Omondi hit the post in Mara’s only miss.

Mara goalkeeper Evans Omondi was named Man-of-the-Match for his heroic display. He not only scored his penalty, but also made a crucial save.

“It has been a very tough match,” said Omondi. “We thank God that we have won. It feels very nice to dethrone the defending champions. We are praying to God, we will defeat Nairobi United,” he added.

Mara had reached the quarter-finals by beating lower-tier side Compel FC 2-0 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday.