Mozzart Bet Cup: Gor Mahia, Homeboyz eye semifinal spots

Another quarterfinal clash will take place at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, where hosts Murang’a Seal will battle Ulinzi Stars.

The winner of the Mozzart Bet Cup will earn Sh2 million and secure a spot in next season’s Caf Confederation Cup.

Notably absent from today’s action are reigning champions Kenya Police, who are yet to learn their quarterfinal opponents.

The delay stems from an unresolved appeal by AFC Leopards regarding their abandoned Round of 32 clash against Mara Sugar at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

The League and Competition Committee had awarded the match to Mara Sugar, prompting Leopards to file an appeal.

The winner of the appeal will face Compel FC in the round of 16, with the victor of that tie earning a spot against Kenya Police in the quarterfinals.

Despite inconsistent form this season, Gor Mahia remain contenders for a recording extending 22nd Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) title. They currently sit two points behind leaders Kenya Police with six games remaining but face a tough run-in.

Gor are favourites heading into the quarterfinal, having beaten Kariobangi Sharks in their last six consecutive meetings. Sharks’ last win over Gor was on January 10, 2021.

“For us every game is important. This is a cup quarterfinal, and since we are eyeing a double, we have to give our all, qualify for the semifinals, and even lift the trophy,” said Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic yesterday.

Last weekend, Mihic returned to the touchline after serving a two-match suspension. Despite resting key players Austin Odhiambo and top scorer Benson Omala, K’Ogalo cruised past Mara Sugar 4-0.

Sharks, on the other hand, have struggled this season and are winless in their last two league games. They currently sit 12th in the FKF-PL table with 32 points from 28 matches.

Kakamega Homeboyz, coached by Francis Baraza, are also chasing a return to continental football. While their league title hopes are slim — they are fifth on 42 points, 10 behind Kenya Police — the Mozzart Bet Cup presents a realistic route.

“This is a competition we are taking very seriously, and we are not underrating our opponents because they have beaten league sides before. We are ready for the game,” said Baraza.

Nairobi United, led by former Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti, have proven giant-killers in the competition. They eliminated FKF-PL giants Tusker and KCB in the round of 32 and 16 respectively, winning both on penalties after goalless draws.

“We want to write history by lifting this cup. That is why we have engaged in intense preparations. We shall be happy if we win against another top side since we also want to participate in continental football,” said Muyoti.

United are also on course for promotion to the top flight, leading the NSL with 62 points and nine matches remaining.

Murang’a Seal, meanwhile, see the cup as a chance to redeem their season amid relegation struggles. They sit second from bottom in the FKF-PL with just 26 points.

Seal and Ulinzi Stars have a balanced head-to-head record, with each team winning once in their past five meetings, while three matches ended in draws.

FIXTURES 

Gor Mahia v Kariobangi Sharks (Dandora, Nairobi, 4pm)

Nairobi United v Kakamega Homeboyz (Dandora, Nairobi, 1pm) 

Murang'a Seal v Ulinzi Stars (Sportpesa Arena, Murang'a 3pm)