FKF Cup: AFC Leopards keep CAF Confederation Cup qualification dream alive
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Apr 30, 2024
AFC Leopards' aspirations of competing on the continental stage next season remain firmly intact after they secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup over the weekend, overcoming a resilient Compel FC in a 3-1 victory.
The path to the semi-finals was strewn with captivating encounters, as other contenders battled for supremacy in the quarter-finals.
Police showcased their dominance with a resounding 4-0 win over Sofapaka, while KCB secured a narrow 1-0 victory over holders Kakamega Homeboyz, setting the stage for a fresh face to emerge as the new Cup winner this season.
Kariobangi Sharks also clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over SS Assad to book their spot in the final four.
Despite conceding an early setback against FKF Division One outfit Compel FC, Leopards displayed resilience and determination, rallying back to secure a decisive 3-1 victory.
READ MORE
How Africa can spark bargaining power locked in critical minerals
Give wildlife more funds for better climate action
Clerics' crucial role at the COP29 climate talks
Ruto, AU noble climate plan bound to fail
Africa plans to take common stand on climate change, peace and security
Africa caravan rallies citizens to lobby for climate justice at COP29
Why COP29 will be a clear litmus test for climate crisis
Unmet climate pledges fuel Africa's push for $5.9t by 2030 to avert loss and damage
CS Aden Duale: Finance must be Africa's priority in COP29 position paper
Leopards head coach, Tomas Trucha, commended his team's tenacity and control throughout the match, emphasising the significance of the win in keeping their continental dreams alive.
Looking ahead to the semi-finals, AFC Leopards face a formidable challenge against Police, a side yet to taste defeat in any competition this year. Trucha anticipates a tough duel against the unbeaten Police outfit and vows to adopt a different tactical approach for the upcoming clash.
"Police are a different side, so we will approach them differently. We expect a tough match because they appear more menacing than Gor Mahia," said Trucha, acknowledging the magnitude of the upcoming challenge.
Among the remaining contenders in the tournament, AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks boast previous FKF Cup victories.
On the other hand, both Police and KCB are vying for their maiden FKF Cup title, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming fixtures.
The stakes are high in this Mozzart Bet-sponsored tournament, with the winner set to pocket Sh 2 million and earn the prestigious opportunity to represent Kenya at next season's CAF Confederation Cup.