Tusker FC ended a 10-year wait for domestic Cup glory after edging Kenya Police FC 2-1 in a thrilling FKF MozzartBet Cup final at the Kwale Stadium on Sunday evening.
A brace from Ian Simiyu proved decisive as the Brewers secured their fourth Cup title in history and booked a return to continental football, earning a place in next season’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
The final got off to a dream start for Tusker, who took the lead early in the first half through Simiyu. The forward latched onto a well-weighted pass from Fabian Adikiny, took a composed first touch to set himself up before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike that flew into the back of the net.
However, the lead lasted only four minutes as Kenya Police drew level through defender Aboud Omar, whose well-taken freekick beat the Tusker wall and nestled into the net.
Undeterred by the setback, the Brewers continued to press forward and were rewarded just before the halftime break. Yakeen Muteheli burst forward and threaded a perfectly timed pass into Simiyu’s path. The forward kept his composure inside the box and finished neatly past the goalkeeper to restore Tusker’s lead heading into the interval.
With the trophy within touching distance, Tusker emerged from the break determined to protect their advantage, but Kenya Police returned with renewed energy and pushed aggressively in search of an equaliser.
The Brewers remained disciplined at the back while still creating opportunities to extend their lead. Simiyu came close to completing a memorable hat-trick when he found space inside the area, but his effort rolled narrowly wide of the target. Eric Kapaito also threatened midway through the half, only to see his goal-bound effort blocked by a desperate Police defence.
As the match entered its closing stages, Kenya Police intensified the pressure and nearly found a way back into the contest. Daniel Sakari connected brilliantly with a volley outside the area, but goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila produced a magnificent save, reacting sharply to pluck the ball away and preserve Tusker’s advantage.
The law enforcers continued to search for a late breakthrough and were handed one final opportunity from a dangerous freekick in stoppage time. Omar stepped up once again, but this time his effort crashed straight into the Tusker wall as the Brewers stood firm.
Moments later, the final whistle sparked scenes of celebration among the Tusker faithful as captain and teammates lifted the FKF MozzartBet Cup trophy for the first time since 2016.
