Matasi's brilliance seals FKF Cup win for Kenya Police over KCB
By Michael Kirwa |
AFC Leopards won the third-place playoff by beating Kariobangi Sharks 2-1.
Kenya Police emerged as the 2024 FKF Cup champions after a nail-biting 8-7 penalty shootout victory over KCB, following a goalless draw in regulation and extra time at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday 29th June.
37-year-old Patrick Matasi, the Kenya Police goalkeeper, was the standout performer. Matasi saved two penalties and scored the decisive kick to secure his team's historic win. He deservedly bagged the Man of the Match accommodate.
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This victory marked Kenya Police's first-ever FKF Cup triumph, earning them Sh 2 million prize and a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. KCB, the runners-up, received Sh 1 million.
The match itself was a cautious affair, with both teams adopting defensive strategies, resulting in a lack of clear scoring opportunities. This mirrored the trend of the previous two FKF Cup finals, which also saw minimal goals.
Despite the lack of goals in regular play, the penalty shootout provided plenty of drama. KCB started strong with Danson Chetambe converting the first kick. Musa Mohammed equalized for Kenya Police. Matasi then saved a shot from Collins Neto, giving Kenya Police the advantage with Rashid Toha's successful kick.
The teams traded successful penalties until David Odhiambo missed for Kenya Police, hitting the post. Stephen Etyang capitalized for KCB, putting them 4-3 up. Kenneth Muguna's calm finish for Kenya Police sent the contest into sudden death.
In sudden death, both teams demonstrated composure. Kevin Okumu, Tyson Otieno, Herit Mungai, David Owino, Derrick Otieno, and Abud Omar all converted their kicks, keeping the score tied at 7-7.
The match was ultimately decided in the ninth round of penalties. Matasi saved Shadrack Simiyu's shot before stepping up to score the winning penalty, sending the Kenya Police fans into jubilation.
Earlier, AFC Leopards secured third place with a 2-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks. Victor Omune, who was named man of the match, scored in the 16th minute, followed by Randy Bakari’s goal in the 32nd minute. Keith Imbali pulled one back for Kariobangi Sharks in the 74th minute, but AFC Leopards held on for the victory, earning Sh 750,000. Kariobangi Sharks received Sh 500,000 for finishing fourth.
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