All eyes will be on underdogs Nairobi Regional East Division side BB Bread FC to script another fairytale and stun yet another decorated top-flight giant Gor Mahia in the round of 32 of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mozzart Bet Cup.
BB Bread FC is a lower division team that shocked 10-times cup champions AFC Leopards in the previous round, eliminating them 4-3 on post-match penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw, a result that sent shockwaves across the country.
For Gor Mahia, Kenya’s record premier league champions who heartbreakingly lost last year’s final to then a lower division club Nairobi United, the fixture presents more than just progression, it is an opportunity to restore pride and launch a renewed pursuit of domestic silverware after a rare trophyless season.
Defending champions Nairobi United, whose Round of 64 tie against L-15 was postponed due to CAF Confederation Cup commitments are set to play the rescheduled clash on Wednesday, 25 February, with the winner facing BMC All Stars in their opening fixture of the tournament.
Four-time winners Tusker FC are set for an all-Premier League duel against the 2021 third place finishers Bidco United at the coast, while last year’s semi-finalists Murang’a Seal face FC Dynamo.
Meanwhile, two-time cup winners Ulinzi Stars take on former FKF-PL side Zoo FC, while 2023 champions Kakamega Homeboyz eye a second Mozzart Bet Cup title quest against Kipchimchim FC of Kericho.
Elsewhere, last year’s semi-finalists Murang’a Seal face FC Dynamo, 2024 champions Kenya Police FC travel to Kisumu to battle TBM Health FC, and 2018 winners Kariobangi Sharks lock horns with KU Hardnuts FC.
Besides walking away with Ksh3 million in prize money, the winners of the Mozzart Bet Cup earn far more than domestic bragging rights.
Victory in the prestigious tournament also guarantees a coveted ticket to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) ,Africa’s second-tier interclub competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
A fortnight ago, the competition served early shocks as cup favourites AFC Leopards and last season’s semi-finalists Mara Sugar suffered humiliating exits at the hands of little-known sides, most notably giant killers BB Bread FC and Wisdom Soccer Academy.
Full Round of 32 Fixtures
Murang’a Seal vs FC Dynamo
Kuta Collection FC vs KSG Ogopa
Bandari FC vs Bumbani Stars
L-15 FC/Nairobi United vs BMC All Stars
Gor Mahia vs BB Bread FC
3K FC vs Denmark FC
Zetech FC vs KCB FC
Kariobangi Sharks vs KU Hardnuts FC
Ulinzi Stars vs Zoo FC
TBM Health FC vs Kenya Police FC
Shabana FC vs Muhoroni Youth
Bidco United vs Tusker FC
Chebaiywa Lions FC vs Gucha Youth
Kakamega Homeboyz vs Kipchimchim FC
Posta Rangers vs Oinopsos FC
Mfalme FC vs WISA FC