Kenya Police shoots into Mozzart Bet Cup semis after downing Shabana FC
Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 02.05.26. | 16:19
The fixture also carried added intrigue, coming barely a week after the two sides had played out to a goalless draw at the same venue in league action
Kenya Police FC booked their place in the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup semi-finals following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shabana FC in a tense quarter-final clash staged at Gusii Stadium, in a contest defined by fine margins and moments of individual brilliance.
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The decisive moment came courtesy of a stunning set-piece strike from Aboud Omar, whose long-range effort ultimately separated the two sides in a match that had, for long spells, appeared destined to be settled by the narrowest of margins.
Both teams entered the encounter fully aware of the stakes, with a semi-final berth and a step closer to continental football firmly in sight.
The fixture also carried added intrigue, coming barely a week after the two sides had played out to a goalless draw at the same venue in league action.
While Kenya Police sought to keep alive their ambitions of securing a third consecutive appearance in continental competition—having fallen behind in the league title race- Shabana were equally motivated, eyeing a historic first major top-flight trophy to mark their growing stature in Kenyan football.
The match burst into life from the onset, with both sides displaying attacking intent. Kenya Police threatened early, with Erick Zakayo coming close in the seventh minute.
Rising to meet a well-delivered set piece from Aboud Omar, the former Tusker FC forward directed a header narrowly wide, with goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng beaten.
Shabana responded almost immediately. A quick restart orchestrated by Brian Michira released Kevin Omundi on the left, but his effort from the edge of the box drifted just off target.
Moments later, Michira himself nearly broke the deadlock, unleashing a powerful free kick from distance that forced Kenya Police goalkeeper Daniel Ogembo into a superb fingertip save.
The hosts continued to press, creating another opportunity through George Orako, who headed over from close range after a well-worked set-piece routine.
Yet, despite Shabana’s growing influence, Kenya Police remained dangerous on the counter, with Yves Koutiama and Brian Otieno both testing the Glamour Boys' defense in quick succession.
As the first half wore on, the contest grew increasingly intense, with both goalkeepers called into action.
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Shabana’s Ochieng produced a brilliant double save to deny Kenya Police, keeping his side in the contest during a critical spell.
However, the breakthrough arrived five minutes before the interval.
After Marvin Nabwire was fouled some 40 yards from goal, Aboud Omar stepped up and delivered a moment of sheer quality.
His powerful, curling strike sailed past the defensive wall and beyond Ochieng’s reach, nestling into the net to hand the 2024 cup winners a crucial lead.
Shabana attempted an immediate response before the break, but Kevin Musamali’s effort drifted wide, leaving the visitors with a slender advantage heading into halftime.
The second half resumed at an even higher tempo, with Shabana pushing aggressively in search of an equaliser.
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Byron Otieno came close early on, unleashing a thunderous shot that was expertly dealt with by Ogembo.
Michira then tried his luck with an audacious lob, but the ball sailed over the bar.
As the rain intensified, so did Shabana’s urgency.
Substitute Pape Diallo tested Ogembo with a low drive, while Keith Imbali forced another sharp save from the Police custodian with a powerful effort from distance.
Batshi Asis also had an opportunity late on, but his header lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Shabana were unable to find a breakthrough, with the Law enforcers demonstrating resilience and defensive discipline to preserve their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The victory sees the Nicholas Muyoti-coached side advance to the semi-finals, where they will await the winner of the quarter-final clash between Bandari FC and Mfalme FC.
For Shabana, however, the defeat brings an end to their spirited cup run, as their pursuit of a maiden top-flight trophy is postponed to yet another season.