Bungoma Stars knock Premier League heavyweights Bandari out of Mozzart Bet Cup

League Two side Bungoma Stars provided the first real upset of the 2024 Mozzart Bet Cup as they stunned FKF Premier League representatives Bandari FC 2-1 in a preliminary round game played at Sudi Stadium, Bungoma.

The win for the lower-tier side means that they have effectively secured passage to the tournament’s Round of 32, where they will face the winner of another preliminary round game pitting FC Talanta and Marafiki FC.

With all Premier League sides involved at this stage - Kenya Police and Posta Rangers - already through, and in rather comfortable fashion, it was a false start for the dockers here when they trailed after 22 minutes through a Tekkwo Derrick strike, and one that saw the hosts take a 1-0 lead to the break.

Bandari, who had lost Izzadin Ramadan to injury, soon found themselves level through striker Derrick Nsibambi in the 57th minute.

The scores would not remain level for too long as Bungoma Stars added a second just three minutes later, through Meshack Makoha.

And with that, the writing was on the wall for the 2019 champions, who now find themselves already out of the cup, and with just the Premier League title to focus on.

John Baraza's men, after 19 games, are fifth on the FKFPL log with 31 points, 12 behind leaders Gor Mahia, who face Mombasa side Denmak FC in the Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32.

In the afternoon kickoffs, Premier League side Talanta FC were fortunate enough to book their place in the last 32 by the virtue of them winning 3-1 on penalties over Marafiki FC after a barren draw.

Regional League side Al-Azizia saw off NSL's Luanda Villa 4-3 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw, as Mombasa Stars beat Eldoro SC 2-0.

Talanta's win means they will now face the round's heroes Bungoma Stars.

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Preliminary Round Results

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Vegpro 0-2Kenya Police

Wisdom Soccer Academy 0-2 Posta Rangers

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Bungoma Stars 2-1 Bandari

Eldoro SC 0-2 Mombasa Stars

Al Azizia 1-1 Luanda Villa (Al Azizia wins 4-3 on penalties)

Marafiki 0-0 Talanta (FC Talanta wins 3-1 on penalties).