Tusker FC crowned their season with silverware after defeating Kenya Police FC 2-1 in an entertaining FKF Cup final at Kwale Stadium on Sunday, sealing qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
A brace from Ian Simiyu proved decisive for the Brewers, who withstood a spirited second-half fightback from Police to lift the trophy and claim the Sh3 million winners’ prize.
The final began at a high tempo, with Kenya Police making early attacking statements as they searched for the opener. Yves Koutoua tested Tusker goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila within the opening minute, before Marvin Nabwire led another dangerous move as the law enforcers pinned Tusker back.
Police maintained pressure and nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Eric Zakayo won a dangerous free kick after being fouled by Thomas Teka. Zakayo took the set piece, but Ndzila was equal to the task.
Tusker initially struggled to settle but gradually grew into the game. Their first meaningful attack came in the 12th minute through Servyl Akouala, while Fabian Adikiny and Chrispine Erambo began finding pockets of space behind the Police defence.
The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute. Adikiny won possession in midfield before picking out Simiyu, who calmly slotted home to give Tusker a 1-0 lead and register his second goal of the FKF Cup campaign.
Police responded almost immediately. Eugene Ikutwa was booked for a foul in a dangerous area, and from the resulting free kick, Abud Omar produced a moment of brilliance, curling a superb effort beyond Ndzila in the 28th minute to level the match at 1-1.
The equaliser injected fresh momentum into the contest, with both sides pushing for control. Koutoua continued to trouble Tusker’s defence, while captain Marvin Nabwire remained influential in attack for Police.
Tusker, however, regained the lead seven minutes before halftime. Simiyu struck again, latching onto a well-weighted pass, beating his marker and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Job Ochieng Ogembo to complete his brace.
Police almost responded instantly after a defensive lapse gifted Brian Chonjo a clear chance, but the forward failed to convert. Their subsequent corner also failed to trouble Tusker.
Drama followed before halftime when Tusker substitute Ibrahim Joshua, while on the bench, received a red card after confronting match officials following a foul on Malonga.
Trailing 2-1 at the break, Police returned for the second half with renewed intent. Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije introduced Samuel Quansah and Ambrose Sifuna, changes that added urgency to their play.
Tusker remained a threat on the counterattack through Eric Kapaito, Simiyu and Stephen Etyang, while Ndzila continued to stand out with key saves, including a stop from a dangerous Akouala free kick.
Police gradually increased pressure as Daniel Sakari came close in the 65th minute with a powerful effort that forced a reflex save from Ndzila, before Clinton Kinanga squandered a golden opportunity seven minutes later, heading over from close range.
The law enforcers kept pushing through Zakayo, Sifuna and Quansah, winning several dangerous corners that tested Tusker’s backline, but Charles Momanyi marshalled the defence effectively.
Sakari nearly produced a late equaliser with a fierce strike that seemed destined for the corner, only for Ndzila to produce one of the saves of the match to preserve Tusker’s lead.
Police were handed one final chance deep into stoppage time after Momanyi was booked for fouling Kinanga in a dangerous position. However, Abud Omar’s free kick was blocked as Tusker held firm to seal victory.
At the final whistle, celebrations erupted as Tusker secured the FKF Cup title and a place in continental football.
The win marked a strong finish to a demanding domestic campaign and handed coach Julien Mette his first major trophy in Kenyan football.
Earlier in the day, Bandari FC secured third place after defeating KCB FC 2-0 in the playoff.
After a goalless first half, Andrew Juma broke the deadlock in the 70th minute before Amza Moubarack added a second eight minutes later to seal the result for the Dockers.
Bandari walked away with Sh1.5 million for third place, while KCB settled for Sh1 million after finishing fourth.
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