Mozzart Bet Cup: Joshua’s late sucker punch sends Tusker into semis as Ulinzi bow out
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 03.05.26. | 15:42
The Brewers arrived in the quarters following their 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks
Ibrahim Joshua was the hero as Tusker beat Ulinzi Stars 2-1, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup.
The big Tanzanian striker was at the right place at the right time to poke home the ball following the hard work done by Ian Simiyu on the left flank.
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Simiyu dribbled past Bildad Abonga on the byline,with Joshua making an important touch on the ball to see his side book a place in the last four.
The win rejuvenated Tusker FC’s effort and drew closer their target of lifting this season’s Cup and book a place in the CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC).
Tusker qualified to the semi final after a 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks, while Ulinzi edged Kakamega Homeboyz by a similar margin.
The match was a balanced affair with both teams battling in midfield and only creating half chances until the 25th minute when Erick Kapaito pounced on a rebound to break the deadlock.
Kapaito, placed at the right place, capitalised on the rebound after Ricks Omondi punched a Yakeen Mutheli’s strike onto his path.
Ulinzi, who were clearly struggling, had a chance to level the scores in the 31st minute but Paul Odhiambo headed wide from a cross by Boniface Muchiri .
The military men were back at it in the 41st minute, this time Odhiambo stretching but still could not get to the end of a Muchiri cross.
However, they were not to be denied a minute later when from a short corner ny Kelvin Musambai as Staphod Odhiambo struck to level matters.
Musambai's corner was headed into the congested legs by Bonaventure Muchika, with Odhiambo making a connection to find the back of the net.
Tusker almost took the lead in the first minute of second half but Abonga made a last minute tackle inside the penalty area to deny Simiyu.
Ulinzi had a chance in the 48th minute but goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila was there to make a brilliant save from an Onyango strike.
As the match progressed, both teams opted to remain solid at the back and prevent a late collapse.
However, Joshua had the final say in the 92nd minute, striking to not only send his side to the last four, but also earn man-of-the-match award.