Tusker FC secured their spot in the final of the 2026 FKF Cup after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over KCB FC following a tense 0-0 draw at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A decisive fifth penalty save from Congolese custodian Pavelh Ndzila denied David Sakwa to spark wild celebrations and ensure the Brewers remain on course for their first cup title since 2016.
For the Bankers, the defeat marks a heartbreaking exit ending their flawless defensive tournament run and shattering their hopes of a maiden continental ticket.
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The result sees Tusker progress to the grand finale, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final clash between Kenya Police and Bandari FC.
The opening fifteen minutes didn’t yield anything constructive offensively, as both teams sized each other up. The first real chance would however come in the 17th minute from a Francis Kahiro long-range shot that missed the crossbar by inches.
Tusker responded with Denis Iguma coming close from a freekick in the 38th minute, his shot going just wide. The game finally saw its first shot on target in the 42nd minute when a Charles Momanyi header, looping off a Dennis Iguma freekick, was smartly saved by KCB goalkeeper Elvis Ochieng’ to keep the game level at the break.
The second half started off fast as KCB immediately looked to break the deadlock. Francis Kahiro had a glorious chance to open the lead for the Bankers just five minutes after the restart, but he missed the goal from close range.
Drama ensued in the 53rd minute when KCB saw their penalty appeal rejected after what seemed to have been a foul on Richard Omondi by Tusker defender Eugene Ikutwa. Moments later, Fortune Omoto made a wonderful run into the box, executing a looping effort that troubled Ndzila but drifted just wide of the left upright.
With 15 minutes to play, Tusker produced their best effort of the half when a glorious cross by substitute Ian Simiyu found Erick Kapaito, whose powerful header kissed the woodwork before going out, though the linesman’s flag was already up for offside. With neither side breaking the barrier, the match proceeded straight to post-match penalties.
Tusker were the first to take, with Ian Simiyu slotting home before Siraj Mohammed equalized for KCB. In the second round, Chrispine Erambo scored for Tusker while veteran Humphrey Mieno hit the woodwork for KCB.
The tables turned in the third round when Dennis Iguma hit the upright for Tusker and Kevin Etemesi scored for KCB to level the shootout.
Both teams conversion held firm in the fourth round with Joshua Ibrahim scoring for the Brewers and Clyde Senaji converting for KCB. In the decisive fifth round, Fabian Adikiny scored a wonderful goal for Tusker, leaving all the pressure on David Sakwa, whose effort was heroically saved by Pavelh Ndzila to secure safe passage for the Brewers.
Starting Lineups
Tusker FC: Pavelh Ndzila, Denis Iguma, Eugene Ikutwa, Fabian Adikiny, Chrispine Erambo, Servel Akouala, Erick Kapaito, Charles Momanyi, Stephen Etyang, Thomas Teka, Thomas Omole.
KCB FC: Elvis Ochieng, Fadhili Masoud, Siraj Mohamed, Amatton Samunya, Clyde Senaji, Humphrey Mieno, Boniface Omondi, Fortune Omoto, Richard Omondi, Francis Kahiro, December Kisakah.