The dramatic FKF Cup final saw Kenya Police and KCB battle to penalties after a tense goalless draw filled with missed chances.
Kenya Police FC will be gracing continental football for the first time in their history after edging out KCB FC 8-7 in post-match penalties to lift the Football Kenya Federation Cup at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.
The match ended in a goalless draw after extra time and went to penalties, where goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was the hero for the Law Enforcers after saving penalty kicks from Collins Neto and Shadrack Simiyu.
KCB appeared to be the more dangerous team from the start of the game, but it took them 15 minutes to significantly challenge Patrick Matasi, forcing the custodian to clear a shot from Philemon Nyakwaka.
This close shave sparked the Law Enforcers into action at the other end, as they created three scoring opportunities in quick succession. First, CLinton Kinanga missed a long-range drive, and David Owino’s shot was easily collected by Farouk Shikhalo.
Minutes after the half-hour mark, Henry Onyango arrived late in the penalty area to meet a great cross from Collins Neto, but he skewed his header high and wide. Shortly after, Francis Oduor set up Nyakwaka, but the attacker sent his shot over the target.
The teams were locked at 0-0 at the interval.
KCB emerged for the second half desperate to break the deadlock and it nearly came through Nyakwaka, but he sent Dan Namasaka’s low cross into the area straight at Matasi.
Police were presented an open chance from a loose pass by the Bankers at the half an hour mark, but Kinanga drilled the effort over the top.
With KCB chasing down their counterparts, Police added additional firepower off the bench midway in the second half in the form of Kenneth Muguna and Aboud Omar for Francis Kahata and Charles Ouma.
The Law Enforcers came close again to finding the back of the net when Muguna’s free-kick forced Shikhalo to punch the ball back into play from the thunderous shot at the near post in the final minutes as the game proceeded to extra time after a barren draw.
Collins Neto should have put the game to bed in the 100th minute after some great interplay by Namasaka, but the former Muhoroni Youth attacker blazed his effort wide of the target.
Kinanga had a glorious chance to win it for Kenya Police minutes before stoppage time, but the ball got stuck between his feet as the game was forced to settle on penalties.
How they lined up:
Kenya Police starting XI:Patrick Matasi, Baraza Badi, Abud Omar, Brian Okoth, Musa Mohammed, Charles Ouma, David Owino, Francis Kahata, Kenneth Muguna, David Okoth, Clinton Kinanga
Substitutes:Jor Ochieng, Yusuf Maince, Eric Juma, David Ochieng, Duncan Otieno, Patilah Omoto, Marvin Nabwire, Samuel Onyango, Tyson Otieno, Alvin Mangeni, Aashid Micheleuga
KCB Starting XI:Farouk Shikhalo, Kevin Okumu, Atariza Mungai, Haniff Makale, Francis Oduor, Maurice Ojwang, Derrick Omondi, Henry Onyango, Collins Neto, Danson Namasaka, Philemon Nyakwaka
Substitutes: Brian Olango, Gabriel Andika, Nashon Alembi, James Mazembe, Bernard Odhiambo, Lameck Luhangala, Evans Juma, Shadrack Simiyu, Nashon Wekesa, Stephen Etyang, Dismas Ongoncho, Vincent Oyuoki