Gor, Mara Sugar reach FKF Cup final in style after weekend thrillers

By , May 27, 2025

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia have qualified for the final of the FKF Cup after seeing off a stubborn Murang’a Seal on penalties at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

The entertaining semi-final clash had to be decided on penalties after the two sides battled to a 2-2 draw in normal and extra time.

During the shootout, K’Ogalo emerged winners after registering a 5-3 victory.

It was Murang’a Seal who scored the opener after only six minutes when striker Michael Owen capitalised on a poor defensive mix-up to tap home.

However, Gor Mahia responded when Bryson Wangai scored just 12 minutes after coming on from the bench before Alpha Onyango found the top corner to give his side a 2-1 lead.

In the 74th minute, Murang’a Seal drew level when Wilson Kamau headed home at the far post to make it 2-2.

The game headed to penalties, and Gor Mahia should thank goalkeeper Gad Mathews for making two great saves.

Mathews saved a penalty from Harun Mwale and then stepped up to convert the final spot kick, sending Gor Mahia to the final of the domestic competition.

In another semi-final clash, Mara Sugar also needed penalties to eliminate defending champions Kenya Police FC.

The two sides had drawn 1-1 in regular time before the game proceeded to penalties, where Mara emerged 9-8 winners.

Mara goalkeeper Evans Omondi kept out two spot-kicks from Baraka Badi and Clinton Kinanga before scoring his own penalty to help the promoted side reach the final, where they will face Nairobi United.

Coming into the game, all chatter was on how Kenya Police were on course to win an unprecedented cup double this season, and they indeed showed promising signs when midfielder Eric Zakayo tested Ouma from long range in the first minute.

That quick start, however, hit a speed bump just nine minutes later when Dennis Cheruiyot slammed home a deflected free-kick past Police starting keeper Job Ochieng, making it the first time Police had conceded in the cup this season.

Ettiene Ndayiragije’s men, however, offered the near-perfect response, forcing Ouma to make big saves as David Simiyu and Mohammed Bajaber threatened in the space of two minutes.

The law enforcers’ pressure finally told in the 30th minute, when Bajaber’s corner was deflected into the path of Brian Okoth, who slammed home at the bottom corner.

Moments later, Police thought they had gone ahead after Simiyu bundled home from close range, only to be flagged for offside.

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