A penalty shootout was required to determine which team would progress to the round of 16 in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup 2025 after Tusker FC and Nairobi United played to a 1-1 draw in the regulation 90 minutes on Saturday evening at the Dandora Stadium.
Tusker, who controlled much of the first half and capitalized on their only chance through David Polepole in the 14th minute, believed they had the match in the bag.
However, in the second half, Nairobi United proved to be a formidable opponent.
Their persistent efforts culminated in an equalizer in the 76th minute courtesy of Michael Karamor.
Since the Cup does not feature extra time, the match proceeded directly to penalties where Nairobi United converted all five of their shots.
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John Otieno, Adams Nyambane, Brian Ogutu, Jim Ouma and Michael Karamor each found the back of the net.
Tusker’s John Njuguna, Alex Onchwari, Polepole, and Collins Odhiambo successfully scored their penalties but Kevin Oduor, the hero of the day, made a crucial save in denying George Kaddu’s attempt and securing Nairobi United’s victory.
Tusker, who entered the match as favorites, were unable to replicate their strong 2024 FKF Cup performance, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Kakamega Homeboyz.
Earlier at the same venue, Kariobangi Sharks secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zetech Titans FC to advance to the round of 16.
Despite struggling to find the back of the net, Sharks’ Nicolous Onyango made an impact off the bench, delivering a precise cross for Ally Salum to tap in, sending the Sharks through to the next round.
Joining Kariobangi Sharks in the next stage is the defending champions, Kenya Police FC, who narrowly defeated Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) 1-0 at the Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu.
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The venue also hosted a doubleheader, with the day’s top match between AFC Leopards and Mara Sugar.
However, the match was abandoned in the final minutes after chaos erupted when fans stormed the pitch.
“Club statement: Our FKF Cup round of 32 match against FKF-PL side Mara Sugar FC at Mamboleo Stadium, Kisumu, was abandoned in the 89th minute with a 0-0 scoreline,” AFC Leopards posted on their social media.
At Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, Bandari FC advanced to the next round after defeating Al Azizia of Meru 3-1.
Meanwhile, the match between KCB and HoHa FC also went to penalties following a goalless draw, with KCB emerging victorious 5-4.
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FKF Cup 2025 Round of 32 Saturday Results
- Denmark FC 2-2 Donholm Seniors FC (Denmark won 5-4 on penalties)
- Kariobangi Sharks FC 1-0 Zetech Titans FC
- Nairobi United FC 1-1 Tusker FC (Nairobi United won 5-4 on penalties)
- Bandari FC 3-1 Al-Azizia FC
- HoHa FC 0-0 KCB FC (KCB won 5-4 on penalties)
- MOFA FC 0-1 Kenya Police FC
- Mara Sugar FC 0-0 AFC Leopards SC (Abandoned)
- Compel FC 2-1 RVNP FC (Compel advance to the last 16)