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Big guns avoid upsets in FKF Cup.
FKF Cup kicked off in earnest this weekend as 32 teams battled it out for places in the next round, and 16 teams, including Gor Mahia, Bandari, and Sofapaka, have qualified for the Round of 16.
For many teams, this is the start of potential silverware, especially with Gor Mahia looking like they will likely run away with the FKF Premier League title.
Gor Mahia are also the defending champions of the FKF Cup, having won the last edition in 2021, and the Kenyan football giants are likely to be pushing to defend their title.
Jonathan McKinstry's charges advanced to the Last 16 after a 1-0 win over Kibera Soccer on Sunday-taking them closer to 10th Cup glory.
The weekend’s action commenced on Saturday afternoon with AFC Leopards, Tusker, KCB, Ulinzi Stars, and Bidco United, securing progression into the next Round.
AFC Leopards crushed Zetech Titans 2-0, with the goals coming from Maxwell Otieno and Cliff Nyakeya struck in either half, while Tusker walloped Berlin 7-0 at Kasarani Annex.
KCB defeated Michael Olunga-owned MOFA 1-0 at Gusii Stadium, while Ulinzi silenced National Super League (NSL) side Kajiado FC 2-0.
Bidco United were made to sweat by Lions FC, who were defeated 3-2 in post-match penalties after drawing 2-2 in normal time.
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Sofapaka, Kakamega Homeboyz, Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya Police, and Bandari advanced after comfortable wins.
The Batoto ba Mungu put on a powerful display at Karatina Municipal Stadium to crush Karatina Super Stars 3-0, courtesy of Alex Imbusia, Baron Oketch, and Nixon Omondi's goals.
Kakamega Homeboyz scrapped their way through to the last 16 after defeating a charged Shalimar FC 4-3 in penalty shootouts after the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes plus eventual five minutes of added time.
At NYS Yatta Grounds, Bandari had to fight off a determined challenge from Administration Police to secure a 2-0 triumph. James Kinyanjui put the Dockers ahead in the third minute before William Wadri added the second six minutes later.
Kariobangi Sharks secured progression with a 6-0 win after scoring three quick goals in the opening five minutes against Marula FC. Paul Odhiambo netted a minute after the start before Leon Otieno added a second in the second minute, with Sigmun Maina adding the third in the fifth minute.
Lastly, Kenya Police FC and a Scarlet FC full of experienced veterans met at Kasarani Annex, and the encounter lived up to expectations regarding goals as the Law Enforcers won 4-1.
Goals from Duke Abuya, Francis Kahata, Elvis Rupia, and a Scarlet defender's own goal condemned the former internationals to a defeat.
Qualified teams: Gor Mahia, Sofapaka, Equity FC, Kakamega Homeboyz, Bandari, Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya Police FC, Rainbow, KCB, AFC Leopards, Bidco United, Muranga Seal, Mwatate United, Darajani Gogo, Tusker and Ulinzi Stars
Round of 32 results
Equity 2-0 Mara Sugar
Shalimar 0-0 Kakamega Homeboyz- (Kakamega won 4-3 on penalties)
Karatina Homeboyz 0-3 Sofapaka
Kibera Soccer 0-1 Gor Mahia
Administration Police 0-2 Bandari
Marula 0-4 Kariobangi Sharks
Scarlet 1-4 Kenya Police
Rainbow FC 2-2 Migori Youth 2-2 -( Rainbow won 5-4 penalties)
Berlin 0-7 Tusker
Mofa 0-1 KCB
Lions 2 - 2 Bidco United -(Bidco won 3-2 on penalties)
Nyota 0-1 Darajani Gogo
Kajiado 0-2 Ulinzi Stars
Luanda Villa 1-4 Murang’a Seal
Zetech Titans 0-2 AFC Leopards
Mwatate United 5-3 Coastal Heroes
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