Kenya Police players celebrate with  Aboud Omar, who won the Man of the Match Award /ANGWENYI GICHANA

Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti is confident his side can reclaim the Mozzart Bet Cup title they last won in 2024.

Muyoti expressed optimism after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium, a result that booked their place in the semi-finals. Captain Aboud Omar proved decisive, scoring the only goal of the match in the 41st minute with a well-taken free kick.

“The teams that have remained in this tournament are good, but our immediate focus is the semi-final against Bandari FC. Our focus is to beat Bandari and qualify for the final. The win against Shabana shows our intention to lift the title,” said Muyoti.

Read Also
Migori Youth hold Mombasa United to stay top of the NSL log Football
Tusker rally past Ulinzi to reach FKF Cup semifinals as Nairobi United bow out Football
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics

Bandari booked their semi-final slot after a dominant 5-2 win over lower-tier side Mfalme FC in Mombasa. Muyoti, who lifted the trophy with Nairobi United last year, emphasised the importance of experience and ambition in the knockout competition.

“My boys know the meaning of lifting this tournament. We must work extra hard. Playing at the continental level is a good opportunity for players and coaches to market themselves,” he noted.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

Reflecting on the Shabana clash, Muyoti praised his team’s discipline, especially in the second half. “It was not an easy game. We scored from a free kick in the first half, and in the second half, the boys defended well and contained Shabana’s attacks,” he said.

However, he raised concerns over the poor state of the pitch at Gusii Stadium, which became waterlogged after a heavy downpour, affecting play in the second half. Muyoti also conceded that the Kenyan Premier League title is now out of reach for his side.

Meanwhile, Shabana interim coach Osborne Monday, said his team will now shift focus to securing a strong league finish after exiting both the league title race and the cup. “Our target now is to win all our remaining matches and finish higher than last season. I’m happy the players have embraced my philosophy,” said Monday. On the defeat, he added, “They got their goal and managed the game well. We tried to push forward, but it did not work.”