Abud Omar on how Kenya Police dumped Shabana out of Mozzart Bet Cup
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.05.26. | 21:03
The experienced left-back emerged as the difference maker in the high-stakes clash after curling home a sublime free kick that silenced a packed Gusii Stadium
Harambee Stars defender Abud Omar has opened up on the tactical discipline and defensive organisation that inspired Kenya Police FC’s hard-fought Mozzart Bet Cup quarter-final victory over Shabana FC on Saturday, 2 May.
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The experienced left-back emerged as the difference maker in the high-stakes clash after curling home a sublime free kick that silenced a packed Gusii Stadium and sent the Law Enforcers into the semi-finals of the domestic cup competition.
The tie had pitted together two early favourites for the title, but it was Police who walked away smiling after executing a disciplined game plan against the Glamour Boys in their own backyard.
Speaking after the match, Omar revealed that Police’s strategy was to strike early before relying on their defensive solidity, an area he believes has been the foundation of the team’s strong performances this season.
“We knew Shabana were a difficult team, even more so when playing in their own backyard. They are a tough side with passionate fans, and we are happy to win as we progress,” Omar stated.
“As a team, we are solid defensively, so we always aim to score first and then manage the game. It is a team effort, not just me. We did what was necessary to get it done, and now we can enjoy it,” he added.
The defeat dealt a major blow to Shabana’s ambitions of lifting the domestic cup, with Andrew Mark Ongwae’s men bowing out at the quarter-final stage despite enjoying strong home support throughout the encounter.
For Kenya Police, the victory keeps alive their hopes of ending the season with silverware after their FKF Premier League title defence faded in recent weeks.
The Law Enforcers are now just two matches away from lifting the trophy and securing the lucrative Ksh3 million winners’ prize alongside a possible continental ticket.
Despite the victory, head coach Nicholas Muyoti has urged his players to remain grounded as they prepare for the final stretch of the competition.
Muyoti acknowledged that the semi-finals will present even tougher challenges, particularly with underdogs continuing to upset established sides in the tournament.
“We are now heading into the next stage, knowing the work is far from done,” said Muyoti.
Police have enjoyed an impressive cup run so far, having also eliminated giant-killers BB Bread in the previous round.
BB Bread had stunned Kenyan football after knocking out AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia in the Round of 64 and Round of 32, respectively.