Bandari ruthlessly dethrone Mfalme FC to sail into Mozzart Bet Cup semis

Amza Moubarack single-handedly secured Bandari FC's place in the Mozzart Bet Cup semi-finals after netting a quadruple in the 5-2 win over Mfalme FC, who saw their fairytale run screech to a grinding halt.

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Two goals in each half by the Cameroonian forward, coupled with a William Wadri goal, were enough to see Bandari sail to the last four despite Mfalme netting a double in the opening half courtesy of Payai Arok and Amos Kanyere.

Heading into the contest, the two-time winners, under the stewardship of Bernard Mwalala, were intent on ending a seven-year wait for silverware, their last triumph dating back to 2019.

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The coastal side approached the tie with urgency and purpose, fully aware that progression to the semi-finals would keep alive their hopes of ending that prolonged drought.

Their opponents, Mfalme FC, arrived buoyed by a resounding 5-1 victory over Murang’a Seal, eager to script yet another upset in pursuit of a historic maiden title.

The match burst into life almost immediately, with both sides displaying attacking intent.

Bandari wasted little time asserting their top-flight pedigree, earning an early penalty in the third minute after a handball in the box.

Moubarack stepped up confidently, dispatching the spot-kick past Mireri Paul to hand the hosts a dream start.

The early goal injected further momentum into Bandari’s play, with Wadri coming close to doubling the advantage minutes later, only to see his effort drift wide.

Mfalme, undeterred, responded with intent and nearly drew level through Felix Ochieng, whose effort was expertly cut out by a vigilant Bandari defense.

Their persistence paid off in the 16th minute when Payai Arok latched onto a well-worked move to level the scores, momentarily silencing the home crowd.

Yet, the parity proved short-lived. Just four minutes later, Wadri restored Bandari’s lead with a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past his marker before curling a precise effort into the net.

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The Dockers continued to press their advantage, and Moubarack struck again soon after, rising highest to head home from a Hassan Abdalla delivery, extending the lead to 3-1 and underlining the hosts’ attacking superiority.

Despite the setback, Mfalme continued to threaten, with Onyango Brian and Muyale Elvis both coming close as the visitors sought to remain in contention.

Their efforts were rewarded just before halftime when Amos Kanyere capitalised on a defensive lapse to pull one back, ensuring the first half ended in a pulsating 3-2 scoreline.

The second half resumed with renewed intensity, as Mfalme pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

They came agonisingly close through Majabe John, whose effort narrowly missed the target after a dazzling run through the Bandari defense.

Bandari, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Frank Ouya and Namaan Balecho both testing the Mfalme backline.

As the game progressed, Mfalme’s attacking ambitions left them increasingly exposed, and Bandari capitalised decisively.

With 15 minutes remaining, Moubarack completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Abdalla was brought down in the box, restoring a two-goal cushion.

Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished moments before the final whistle when Moubarack struck his fourth goal of the evening, sealing a comprehensive victory and capping a remarkable individual Man of the Match performance.

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The result sees Bandari advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Kenya Police FC, who edged out Shabana FC in the first quarter-final encounter.

For Mfalme FC, the defeat marks the end of a commendable cup run, their spirited campaign concluding at the last-eight stage.