Mozzart Bet Cup: AFC Leopards to face Mara Sugar as round 16 pairings are revealed

The final 32 teams set to compete in the Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32 have been determined following the Round of 64 games played over the weekend.

The opening round of the tournament delivered plenty of drama, but this time, there were no giant killers as all the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) teams that registered for the competition advanced past the hurdle.

Defending champions Kenya Police had a smooth outing in Naivasha, where they faced Superior Hotels. Police secured a 3-0 win, with Mohammed Bajaber netting a brace before David Irishura added the third goal.

AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia showcased their dominance, comfortably dispatching their respective opponents. Leopards eased past Dero FC in Siaya with a commanding 3-1 victory, while Gor Mahia strolled to a 3-0 win over KSG Ogopa.

Shabana FC delivered one of the biggest wins on Saturday, dismantling fifth-tier side Solian City 6-1 under the watchful eye of coach Peter Okidi. The match, staged at Kericho Green Stadium, saw Shabana book a spot in the next round as they kept alive their dream of securing continental football.

At Nakuru Show Grounds, last year’s runners-up, KCB FC, made their intentions clear with a 3-0 win over Chemogoch. Derrick Otanga bagged a brace, while Vincent Ondabu completed the scoring.

Shabana runs riot as big guns cruise into Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32

Kariobangi Sharks ran riot against FKF Division One side Spitfire FC, hammering them 6-0 to book a Round of 32 spot. Red-hot Ally Salum and Francis Memusi grabbed a brace each, while Leonlevit Otieno and Price Musebe also found the back of the net in what became Sharks' biggest win of the season.

In Kirinyaga, Javan Omuse and Leshan Motian’s goals were enough to hand Ulinzi Stars a 2-1 victory over fourth-tier outfit Kirinyaga Stars at Kirinyaga Stadium.

Meanwhile, in Kisumu, Patrick Matasi marked his debut for Kakamega Homeboyz with two crucial saves in a penalty shootout, leading his side to a 4-2 win over TBM Health after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The Round of 32 will see 15 teams from the lower-tier leagues take on clubs from the FKF Premier League and the National Super League.

Former AFC Leopards captain joins Mathare United on a short term deal

Ten-time cup winners AFC Leopards will aim to keep their hopes of securing a major trophy alive, having last won silverware in 2017 when they defeated Mara Sugar. They will face the Millers in the upcoming round.

League champions Gor Mahia will have to overcome Johnson Sakaja Super Cup champions Githurai All Stars to stay in the hunt for the trophy.

Elsewhere, non-league side Donholm Seniors will travel to Kwale to face Denmark FC, while promotion-chasing Nairobi United will go head-to-head with Tusker.

Inside Tusker defender’s strategy earn a Uganda Cranes call up after two years

Defending champions Kenya Police have drawn Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), while 2023 Cup winners Kakamega Homeboyz will face FKF Division Two outfit Samitsi for a spot in the Round of 16.

Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32 Fixtures

Denmark FC vs Donholm Seniors

Kariobangi Sharks vs Zetech Titans

Bandari vs Al Azizia

Gor Mahia vs Githurai All Stars

Fortune Sacco vs Murang’a Seal

Kibera Soccer vs Ishiara FC

Bidco United vs Far East United

Ulinzi Stars vs Jumbo T

Nairobi United vs Tusker

HOHA vs KCB

Kakamega Homeboyz vs Samitsi

Shabana vs Plantech Kenya

MOFA vs Kenya Police

Kakamega Veterans vs Kapenguria United

Compel vs RVNP

Mara Sugar vs AFC Leopards