The quest for the FKF Cup final opponent for KCB FC has been extended, following the abrupt halt of the semifinal showdown between AFC Leopards and Police FC at Nairobi’s Police Sacco Stadium.
KCB FC secured their final berth by triumphing over Kariobangi Sharks in a nail-biting 4-2 penalty shootout.
However, the match between Police FC and AFC Leopards was marred by an unfortunate incident when assistant referee Samuel Kuria was struck by an object from the stands, leading to a suspension of the game in the 56th minute with Police FC ahead by a single goal, thanks to Titto Okello’s early strike.
The officials, prioritizing their safety, vacated the premises, resulting in a more than 15-minute pause before the match was officially called off. The remaining 30 minutes of play will be conducted behind closed doors to determine who will face KCB FC in the final, with the federation committee set to announce the decision after reviewing the match report.
Throughout the match, Police FC demonstrated dominance, with Salim Babu’s team appearing more likely to score again before the interruption.
In the first semifinal, KCB’s goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo emerged as the hero, saving two penalties and ensuring a 4-2 victory in the shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regular time and proceeded to extra time.
Shikhalo denied Geoffrey Onyango and Stanley Wilson, while Derrick Otanga, Henry Onyango, Danson Chetambe, and Henry Ochieng successfully converted their penalties for KCB. The Sharks’ penalties were scored by captain Kevin Luke Otiala and Fredrick Alushula.
KCB initially took the lead in the 76th minute through Derrick Otanga, but Sharks quickly equalized with Fortune Omotto capitalizing on a rebound from John Mark Makwatta’s effort.
The anticipation builds as the final, scheduled for June 8, 2024, will not only crown the FKF Cup champion but also decide Kenya’s representative in the next season’s CAF Confederations Cup.
