2024 champions Kenya Police FC secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 FKF Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shabana FC in an early encounter at the Gusii Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A first-half strike from veteran fullback Abud Omar was all the Law Enforcers needed to silence the noisy home crowd and keep their hopes of reclaiming the title alive.
For the Glamour Boys,the defeat marks a painful end to their quest for a maiden major piece of silverware and a ticket to continental football.
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The result sees Kenya Police progress to the last four, where they will face the winner of the second quarter-final clash between Bandari and Mfalme FC.
The match began with the intensity expected of a knockout tie. Shabana’s early chance of the first half fell to Brian Michira, who found space on the edge of the area after a clever layoff from Keith Imbali, but his low drive was comfortably saved by Dan Ogembo.
Five minutes later, the hosts were at it again as the bullish forward Assis Mambote found Michira, who squared the ball to George Orako; however, the Shabana captain missed narrowly from close range.
Police responded through the trickery of Erick Zakayo, whose stinging long-range effort forced a sharp save from Stephen Ochieng’. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 40th minute.
Following a foul in a dangerous area, Abud Omar stepped up and unleashed a spectacular free-kick that flew past Ochieng’, ensuring the visitors headed into the interval with a slim lead.
Seeking to alter the game’s rhythm in the second half, the Glamour Boys saved their most frantic pursuit for the closing stages. In the 70th minute, substitute Pape Diallo cut in from the left onto his favored right foot before unleashing a powerful shot that was well-saved by Daniel Ogembo.
Three minutes later, it was Imbali’s turn to test the Police custodian, but his well-struck effort was parried away by the alert Ogembo. Despite the late onslaught and the passionate backing of the Gusii faithful, Shabana could not find the elusive equalizer to force a post-match penalty shootout.
Nicholas Muyoti’s charges remained composed at the back, expertly seeing out the final minutes to confirm their progression and move one step closer to wrestling the crown back from Nairobi United.
Starting Lineups
- Shabana FC: Stephen Ochieng’ ,Mark Oduor, Kevin Musamali,Wycliffe Omondi ,Kevin Omundi, Byron Otieno, Michira Brian, George Onyango, Derrick Otieno, Assis Mambote, Danson Kiprono.
- Kenya Police FC: Duncan Ogembo, Daniel Sakari, Kevin Ouma, Abud Omar, Hernest Malonga, Charles Ouma, Nana Asante, Baraka Badi, Marvin Omondi, Erick Zakayo, Yves Koutiama.