- Nairobi United face Mara Sugar in the FKF Cup 2024/25 semifinal on Sunday, June 1 at Dandora Stadium.
- Kick-off is at 3:00 PM.
- A place in the final and a shot at facing Gor Mahia for a CAF Confederation Cup berth is on the line, setting the stage for a high-stakes, action-packed clash.
Nairobi United and Mara Sugar are set to battle it out in the 2024/25 FKF Cup semifinal, with both sides eyeing a coveted spot in the final, on Sunday, June 1, at the Dandora Stadium (3:00PM).
Nairobi United are riding high after securing promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League for the 2025/26 season, a historic first for the club.
With six matches remaining, they currently sit atop the National Super League table with 62 points, showcasing their dominance throughout the campaign.
While their league campaign has been stellar, their FKF Cup journey has been equally remarkable, defying expectations by toppling top-tier giants en route to the semifinals.
Their cup run began in the Round of 64 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Global Connection.
They then faced Tusker FC in the Round of 32, prevailing 5-4 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
Advancing to the Round of 16, they overcame KCB in another dramatic shootout, triumphing 6-5 following a goalless draw.
In the quarterfinals, the NaiBois delivered a dominant 2-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz to secure their semifinal berth.
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On the flip side, Mara Sugar led by head coach Benedict Wanjala, have experienced a turbulent debut season in the top flight.
Currently 13th in the FKF Premier League standings with 35 points, they sit above the relegation zone, only four points ahead of bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars.
Despite their league struggles, Mara Sugar have defied the odds in the FKF Cup.
After advancing to the Round of 32, they faced AFC Leopards in a controversial match. The game ended 0-0, but chaos ensued after a penalty decision was reversed by the referee, prompting a pitch invasion by Leopards fans.
The Sports Dispute Tribunal later awarded the match to Mara.
In the Round of 16, they defeated Compel FC 2-0 before pulling off a major upset by eliminating defending champions Kenya Police in a tense 9-8 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
ALSO READ: Mara Sugar beat Kenya Police on penalties to reach FKF Cup semis vs Nairobi United
Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti expressed hope and faith in his team ahead of the semifinal, highlighting the potential rewards of winning the cup.
If, by Godβs grace, we win this cup, I believe our management will fully support us in preparing for the continental competition. Itβs up to us to earn that opportunity, and my players have promised to give their all. I trust they will deliver,” Muyoti told LTN Sports.
The two teams have already clashed twice this season in the National Super League, with Mara Sugar the 2023/24 champions, emerging victorious in both encounters.
With a spot in the final at stake and a chance to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup against Gor Mahia, Sundayβs match promises to be a thrilling and high-intensity encounter between two ambitious sides.
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