FKF Cup: AFC Leopards keep CAF Confederation Cup qualification dream alive

AFC Leopards' Arthur Gitego and Cliff Miheso celebrate their win against Compel during Mozzart - FKF Cp 2024 at Dandora Stadium. April 28, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

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.

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.