Mara Sugar beat Kenya Police on penalties to reach FKF Cup semis vs Nairobi United

• Mara Sugar eliminated Kenya Police FC through a penalty shootout, winning 1(9)–1(8) in the FKF Cup quarterfinal held at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, May 25.
• Mara Sugar will now face Nairobi United in the Cup semifinals.
•  Kenya Police will now shift focus to clinching the top-flight title, which is within their reach just one win away from securing a spot in the CAF Champions League next season.

Defending Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup champions Kenya Police were eliminated in dramatic fashion via a tense penalty shootout, falling 1(8)–1(9) to Mara Sugar on Sunday afternoon at Dandora Stadium.

Kenya Police equalized through Brian Okoth while still at full strength, after Dennis Cheruiyot had given the Sugarmen an early lead in the first half.

However, later in the second half, the law enforcers were reduced to 10 men when David Ochieng received a second yellow card, putting them at a disadvantage for the remainder of the match.

The match proceeded to penalties after a 1-1 stalemate, culminating in an intense 22-penalty shootout.

Kenya Police saw successful conversions from Clinton Kinanga, Duncan Otieno, Jesse Were, Marvin Nabwire, Brian Okoth, Charles Ouma, Reuben Juma, and Emmanuel Erupe.

However, Mohammed Bajaber, Baraka Badi, and Kinanga – taking a second spot-kick missed crucial attempts.

Mara Sugar, on the other hand, held their nerve under pressure.

Erick Juma, Fredrick Ngiela, Samuel Otieno, Woodvine Okoth, Harun Thomas, David Owino, Evans Ouma, and Brian Ochieng all found the net, while Fredrick taking his second kick – also converted.

Only Noah Jagongo and Lameck Omondi failed to score for the Millers.

The defeat ends Kenya Police’s aspirations for a domestic double this season.

Their focus now shifts to the Kenyan Premier League title race, where they are just one victory away from securing the championship and earning a coveted spot in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, the Benedict Wanjala charges who controversially ousted AFC Leopards in the round of 32 advance to the semifinals, where they will meet Nairobi United.

The Millers aim not only for a place in the final but also to claim the FKF Cup crown and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

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At Dandora Stadium, Mara Sugar struck first through Dennis Cheruiyot in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a deflected free kick to beat the Police defense.

Moments later, a swift counterattack from the Millers almost doubled their advantage, but Rueben Juma made a brilliant save to keep Police in the game.

Police had few clear-cut opportunities in the opening half, with Eric Zakayo’s early attempt posing their only real threat.

However, around the 30-minute mark, Brian Okoth seized on a loose ball from a corner taken by Bajaber and calmly slotted home to make it 1-1.

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The second half was far more cagey, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances.

Twenty minutes into the period, neither side had managed a significant attack.

The turning point came in the 77th minute when Ochieng was dismissed for a rough challenge, forcing Police to finish the match with 10 men.

Despite tactical adjustments and several substitutions from both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged, sending the match to penalties.

Clinton Kinanga confidently opened the shootout for Kenya Police, while Enock Juma replied in kind for Mara Sugar.

In the end, Mara Sugar edged out the champions 9-8 on penalties, securing a historic victory under head coach Benedict Wanjala and booking their place in the last four.

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