Sports

FKF CUP: KPL debutants land in Kisumu for Leopards clash

Friday 07th March, 2025 06:38 PM| By Luke Oluoch

Kenya Premier League new boys Mara Sugar have landed in Kisumu ahead of a crucial cup tie against league rivals AFC Leopards.

The two will face off on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the Football Kenya Federation Cup round of 32 tie at the Moi Stadium Kisumu at 4:00 pm.

The clash will be the only all-KPL clash heading to the round of 16.

Speaking to People Daily Digital ahead of the Leopards tie, Coach Benedict Wesonga backed his charges to bring their A-game as they eye to advance to the next round.

Give it all

“It won’t be an easy game. We have met them twice and all the games have not been easy. This is a tournament and we will be looking to win it too. Many of my players have never tasted continental football, I believe this is the shortest route to it. I’m happy for the match-up, the boys tend to give their all when playing against these big sides and we are relishing the opportunity to go. We will give our all,” he intimated.

Ingwe recently beat the side 2-1 away in an away fixture and the Awendo-based KPL newbies will be relishing their chances not only for revenge but also a Cup upset against the 2017 winners.

Wasechopo Yurop, Jo Kisumo…#MaraSugar✊ pic.twitter.com/MIHh8QlKEo
— Mara Sugar Fc (@MaraSugarfc) March 7, 2025

Apart from Leopards, a host of other KPL sides will be out to gain safe passage in the round of 16 stage.

According to the competition’s round of 32 draw was unveiled on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Round of 32 match-ups

Defending champions Kenya Police will have to contend with the threat of Michael Olunga Foundation FC (MOFA) in their quest for title defence.

MOFA is owned by Kenyan international Michael Olunga and plies their trade in the second tier of the national Super League.

Who’s ready for some cup action? ⚽🔥

Here’s the full lineup of Round of 32 fixtures in the #MozzartBetCup this weekend. pic.twitter.com/zzNSZxnzFu
— Mozzart Bet Cup (@FKFCup) March 6, 2025

2023 champions Kakamega Homeboyz, who needed a penalty-shoot-out win against TBM Services in Moi Stadium Kisumu will have a date against Samitsi FC, a fellow Western-based side with a massive following across Kakamega and the entire western region.

Meanwhile, Tusker FC will have a tough task against high-riding National Super League side, Nairobi United. The Brewers claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Gucha Youth to advance to the next stages.

Gor Mahia will face off against Nairobi opponents Githurai All-Stars (GAS).