FKF Cup final glory and millions on the line as Police, Tusker clash in Kwale

The curtain will finally fall on the 2026 FKF Cup on Sunday afternoon when Kenya Police FC and Tusker FC battle for the coveted trophy at Kwale Stadium, with continental football and millions of shillings also up for grabs.

The final, scheduled for a 3:30 pm kick-off, brings together two sides looking to salvage their seasons after mixed fortunes in the FKF Premier League campaign. Beyond lifting one of Kenyan football's most prestigious trophies, the winners will pocket Sh3 million and secure a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

For Kenya Police, the stakes could hardly be higher. The law enforcers arrive in Kwale as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024 after defeating KCB in a penalty shootout. That triumph earned them a historic appearance in continental football, and they now have an opportunity to return to Africa for a third consecutive season.

Police's league campaign ended in disappointment despite lofty expectations, with Nicholas Muyoti's side finishing third in the FKF Premier League. As a result, the FKF Cup represents their final chance to secure silverware and a continental berth.

Their route to the final was anything but straightforward. Police edged Bandari FC in a tense semi-final that ended goalless before they prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout. Much of their hopes in the final will rest on the shoulders of striker Yves Koutima, whose goals and attacking presence have been instrumental throughout the campaign.

Tusker, meanwhile, head into the final seeking redemption after a difficult league season that saw the Brewers finish ninth, far below their usual standards. The former champions have struggled for consistency this year, but now have an opportunity to end the campaign on a high and secure a return to continental competition.

With both clubs desperate to rescue their seasons, an evenly contested final is expected in what promises to be a fitting climax to a tournament that began with 64 teams dreaming of glory.

Bandari and KCB battle for third place

Before the final takes centre stage, Bandari FC and KCB will square off in the third-place playoff at 11:30 am, with pride and a substantial financial reward on the line.

The winning side will take home KSh1.5 million, while the fourth-placed team will receive Sh1 million.

KCB enter the contest after an impressive tournament run that saw them eliminate Zetech University, Chebaiywa FC and defending champions Nairobi United while maintaining an excellent defensive record. Their dream of reaching another final, however, ended in heartbreak after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat in the semi-finals.

Bandari were equally impressive on their journey to the last four. The Dockers showcased their attacking prowess throughout the competition, including a thrilling 5-2 victory over Mfalme FC. Their hopes of claiming a third FKF Cup title were eventually ended by Kenya Police in another dramatic penalty shootout.

While neither side will achieve their ultimate objective of lifting the trophy, victory in the playoff would provide a positive conclusion to an otherwise strong cup campaign.

Following the third-place playoff, fans in Kwale will also be treated to an exhibition match between hosts Kwale United and Denmark FC before attention shifts to the main event.

As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Kwale Stadium, where millions of shillings, silverware and a coveted CAF Confederation Cup ticket await the teams that can rise to the occasion.