Mozzart Bet Cup quarter-final draw pits heavyweights in blockbuster clashes

After weeks of gripping, high-stakes action, the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup has reached a defining juncture, with the quarter-final draw officially conducted on Thursday, 23 April.

The tournament, which has steadily built momentum through its earlier rounds, now narrows down to eight contenders, each with a firm eye on the coveted title.

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A competitive Round of 16 delivered a mix of expected dominance and compelling underdog narratives.

Seven top-flight sides progressed, including Kenya Police, Ulinzi Stars, Nairobi United, Tusker FC, KCB,Shabana and Bandari FC, alongside lower-tier hopefuls Mfalme FC who have emerged as potential giant killers in this year’s competition.

The quarter-final draw has set up a series of enticing fixtures, headlined by a clash between two of the country’s most decorated sides.

Two-time champions Ulinzi Stars are set to face four-time winners Tusker FC in what promises to be a tightly contested opener.

Defending champions Nairobi United will square off against 2024 finalists KCB in another high-stakes encounter that pits recent pedigree against consistency.

Elsewhere, Bandari FC, themselves two-time winners, will take on Division One outfit Mfalme FC, whose giant-killing run has added intrigue to the tournament.

However, the standout tie of the round will see 2024 champions Kenya Police lock horns with Shabana FC, in a fixture widely anticipated to deliver fireworks given both sides’ current form and attacking prowess with Shabana having already outshone Police in two league outings.

The tournament bracket further outlines a potentially dramatic path to the final. The winner between Kenya Police and Shabana will meet the victor of the Bandari versus Mfalme clash in the semi-finals.

On the opposite side, the winner of Nairobi United against KCB will face either Ulinzi Stars or Tusker FC, setting the stage for possible heavyweight encounters in the penultimate round.

Progression to this stage has been hard-earned. Nairobi United booked their quarter-final slot with a convincing 2-0 victory over Posta Rangers, while Kenya Police advanced after overcoming giant-killers BB Bread FC 1-0 .

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Ulinzi Stars demonstrated their pedigree by eliminating 2023 champions Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 , as Bandari FC eased 2-0 past National Super League side 3K FC .

Mfalme FC, meanwhile, underlined their credentials with an emphatic 5-0 whitewashing win over Murang’a Seal to continue their fairytale run.

Attention now turns to the quarter-finals, scheduled for the weekend of May 2 and 3, with anticipation already building towards the tournament culmination.

The final, set for June 14 at Kwale Stadium, will crown the new champion of a competition that continues to grow in stature within Kenyan football.

Beyond silverware, the tournament carries significant financial and professional incentives. The winner will receive Ksh3 million, while the runner-up will take home Ksh2 million. Third and fourth-placed teams will earn Ksh1.5 million and Ksh1 million respectively.

Individual excellence will also be rewarded, with the Most Valuable Player set to receive Ksh200,000, while the Golden Boot winner,best goalkeeper ,best defender and midfielder will each pocket Ksh150,000. The Most Promising Young Player will be awarded Ksh100,000.

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Crucially, the tournament winner will also secure the opportunity to represent the nation on the continental stage in the CAF interclub competition, adding further weight to what is already a fiercely contested domestic cup.