Mozzart Bet Cup quarter finals set after dramatic Round of 16

As if perfectly reading from the previous rounds, the magic of the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup lived on this past weekend, as teams jostled for the last eight slots.

From shock exits, fairy tale runs, late goals, and tightly-contested games, the Round of 16 offered up interesting stories, which make next month’s quarterfinals a must-watch.

Brief Recap

Top of the highlights in the Round of 16 was the repeat display of calm and composure from National Super League side Nairobi United as they once again claimed the hopes of a top-tier opponent, booking their place in the last eight.

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After knocking out heavyweights Tusker in the previous round, Nicholas Muyoti again engineered a resilient performance from his side, as they edged out last year’s finalists KCB via penalty shootouts, keeping their fairy-tale run alive.

Elsewhere in Mombasa, Gor Mahia’s prodigal son Benson Omalla marked his return to his old club with a late goal to fend off stubborn hosts and previous cup winners Bandari.

Prodigal son Benson Omala scores as Gor Mahia sink Bandari in stoppage time

The tie had been deadlocked at 0-0, before Bryson Wangai rose from the bench to spark late drama.

When fed by the winger in stoppage time, Omalla, only cleared to play for K’Ogalo earlier in the week, made the net bulge, seemingly admonishing last year’s demons, when they suffered a shock exit in the coast.

Kariobangi Sharks, just like they did in the last 16, left it late to end Denmark’s hopes, while Kapenguria United, despite showing resilience, were pipped by defending champions Kenya Police.

Controversy was the name of the game on Sunday, as 2024 champions Kakamega Homeboyz bundled out Shabana, despite having their trip to Kisumu briefly curtailed by a tyre burst.

Kakamega Homeboyz overcome road accident scare to eliminate Shabana out of Mozzart Bet Cup

Quarter-final fixtures

All that drama leads to the last eight, slated for the weekend of 1-4 May.

One side of the draw consists of all Premier League sides, which guarantees one of them a place in the final.

The teams include: Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia, Murang’a Seal and Ulinzi Stars.

The other side, however, has the possibility of a lower-tier side making it through to a dream final, with Nairobi United and Compel present.

Naiboi’s next sojourn is against Kakamega Homeboyz, while defending champions Kenya Police have to wait for the resolution of a long-standing case between AFC Leopards and Mara Sugar, whose winner plays Compel in a delayed last 16 tie.

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Quarter final fixtures

Kariobangi Sharks vs Gor Mahia

Murang’a Seal vs Ulinzi Stars

Nairobi United vs Kakamega Homeboyz

Kenya Police vs (Compel vs AFC Leopards/Mara Sugar).