The FKF Cup roars back into action this weekend, with a captivating lineup of Round of 16 fixtures. Clubs from across the divisions are battling for national glory, with the ultimate prize being a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The action kicks off on Saturday at the KPA Sports Club in Mbaraki, where Denmark FC will host Kariobangi Sharks in an early 1:00 PM kickoff. The Sharks, who made it to the semi-finals last season, are aiming to go all the way this time. They’ll face a tough challenge from Denmark FC, who will be eager to make their mark in this prestigious competition.
In another highly anticipated clash, National Super League (NSL) leaders Nairobi United will take on top-tier side KCB FC at Dandora Stadium from 3:00 PM. KCB, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, losing in a dramatic penalty shootout to Kenya Police FC, will be looking to go one step further this time. Nairobi United, on the other hand, will be hoping to prove that their rise to the top of the NSL is no fluke.
The marquee fixture of the day will take place once again at the KPA Sports Club, where coastal giants Bandari FC will face off against FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia from 3:30 PM. K’Ogalo, fresh off a dominant 5-0 victory over Division Two side Githurai All Stars, will look to continue their quest for success. They have been boosted by the return of star striker Benson Omalla, who has been cleared to play after receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from Lebanese side Al Safa FC. Bandari, meanwhile, will be determined to make a statement and progress to the quarterfinals.
Sunday will bring more thrilling encounters, starting with a much-anticipated ‘bandit versus police’ showdown between FKF Premier League leaders Kenya Police FC and Division Two’s Kapenguria Heroes at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos at 1:00 PM. The defending champions, Kenya Police FC, will be the favorites but will need to stay focused to avoid a potential upset from their lower-league opponents. At the same time, Bidco United will face military side Ulinzi Stars, who come into the match buoyed by their resounding 6-0 victory over Jumbo T FC in the previous round.
Meanwhile, at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, Murang’a Seal will take on Kibera Soccer FC at 3:00 PM. Seal, who secured a dramatic 4-3 penalty win over Fortune Sacco in the previous round, will be aiming for another strong performance to advance to the next stage. Kibera Soccer FC will also be looking to prove their worth, hoping to upset the odds and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Another exciting clash will take place at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, where 2023 FKF Cup champions Kakamega Homeboyz will meet Shabana FC at 3:00 PM. Kakamega Homeboyz, fresh off the return of their first-choice goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who had been suspended due to match-fixing allegations, will be looking to defend their title. Shabana FC, who suffered heartbreak last season with a 1-0 loss to AFC Leopards at the same stage, will be determined to go further this time.
One more Round of 16 fixture remains pending, as FKF waits for the resolution of AFC Leopards’ appeal regarding their abandoned Round of 32 clash against Mara Sugar FC. The match had been halted in the 89th minute after a pitch invasion by Leopards fans following a rescinded penalty. Although Mara Sugar were initially awarded the win, the FKF Appeals Committee will determine the final outcome.
With so many exciting matchups, the FKF Cup promises to deliver more drama and surprises as clubs fight for a chance to secure continental football. The weekend’s action will undoubtedly showcase the best of Kenyan football, as each team aims to write its own piece of history in this prestigious tournament.
