Kenya Police emerged victorious in the 2024 Mozzart Bet Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup, triumphing over KCB in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.
The match, which ended 0-0 after regular and extra time, saw Police clinch the title with an 8-7 win on penalties, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
Matasi was the star of the night, saving two penalties and scoring the decisive spot-kick, sending the Police fans in Langata into jubilation.
This victory not only secured the FKF Cup for Police but also guaranteed their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, marking a significant milestone for the team.
The victory caps off a successful season for Police, who finished third in the FKF Premier League behind Gor Mahia and Tusker. Gor Mahia clinched their 21st title, setting a new record in Kenyan football.
The match began with KCB appearing more threatening, but it took them 15 minutes to seriously test Matasi, who made a crucial save from Philemon Nyakwaka’s shot.
This close call galvanized the Law Enforcers, leading to a flurry of chances at the other end. Clinton Kinanga’s long-range effort missed the target, and David Owino’s shot was comfortably saved by Farouk Shikhalo.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams having squandered opportunities. In the second half, KCB continued to press, but Matasi remained resolute, making a key save from Nyakwaka’s attempt.
Police’s best chance came from a loose pass by KCB, but Kinanga’s shot flew over the bar.
Midway through the second half, Police brought on Kenneth Muguna and Aboud Omar, adding fresh legs to their attack. Muguna almost scored with a powerful free-kick, but Shikhalo parried the ball away.
As the match headed into extra time, both teams struggled to find the net, with Collins Neto and Kinanga missing golden opportunities.
Ultimately, the match had to be decided by penalties. Matasi’s brilliance in goal and his composure to score the final penalty sealed the win for Police. Matasi was deservedly named Man of the Match, while David Owino received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Kenya Police’s starting XI included: Patrick Matasi, Baraza Badi, Abud Omar, Brian Okoth, Musa Mohammed, Charles Ouma, David Owino, Francis Kahata, Kenneth Muguna, David Okoth, and Clinton Kinanga.
Their substitutes were: Jor Ochieng, Yusuf Maince, Eric Juma, David Ochieng, Duncan Otieno, Patilah Omoto, Marvin Nabwire, Samuel Onyango, Tyson Otieno, Alvin Mangeni, and Aashid Micheleuga.
KCB’s starting XI featured: Farouk Shikhalo, Kevin Okumu, Atariza Mungai, Haniff Makale, Francis Oduor, Maurice Ojwang, Derrick Omondi, Henry Onyango, Collins Neto, Danson Namasaka, and Philemon Nyakwaka.
Their substitutes were: Brian Olango, Gabriel Andika, Nashon Alembi, James Mazembe, Bernard Odhiambo, Lameck Luhangala, Evans Juma, Shadrack Simiyu, Nashon Wekesa, Stephen Etyang, Dismas Ongoncho, and Vincent Oyuoki.
The triumph marks a new chapter for Kenya Police as they prepare to take on continental giants in the CAF Confederation Cup.
