AFC Leopards to encounter Kenya Police in Mozzart Bet tournament’s semi-finals

AFC Leopards will face Kenya Police in the semi-finals of the Mozzart Bet Cup following their 3-1 quarter-final victory against Division One outfit Compel FC on Sunday at the new Dandora Stadium.

Ingwe, who are fighting to end their trophy-less campaign, which stretches to 2016, found themselves trailing with only one minute played when Philip Simiyu gave Compel a shock lead against the run of play.

However, Ingwe levelled matters in the 27th minute when birthday boy Kayci Odhiambo headed home from a corner before Rwandan import Arthur Gitego put them 2-1 up before the half-time break. Gitego then scored the winner in the 61st minute to ensure Ingwe remained on course to win the domestic cup, whose winner gets the opportunity to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup for next season.

"It was a difficult game against a very tough and determined side, I had warned my players against underrating Compel, and it was not the kind of start we wanted into the game, conceding in the first minute was not good enough," AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha said after the game.

"We had to stay composed and after going 2-1 up, we were in a good position to win the game, now our focus moves to the semis, we are determined to win the trophy for the fans." Ingwe's opponents in the semis Police sailed to the stage following their 4-0 victory against Sofapaka at the same venue on Saturday. A brace from former Gor Mahla striker Samuel Onyango, and a goal apiece from David Okoth and Marvin Nabwire ensured the law enforcers reached the last four for the first time in their history.

In another quarter-final fixture on Sun- day, Kariobangi Sharks secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against SS Assad to book their place in the semis, where they will face KCB, who had eliminated defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday. John Makwatta was the hero for the Sharks notching the all-important goal in the 11th minute and ending Assad's fairy-tale run in the knockout competition.

"We had to fight to reach the semis, Assad gave us a good test, they were difficult to break down and a 1-0 win in a cup competition is a good result to take home," said Sharks coach William Muluya.

Additionally, Steve Biko's exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match award and a cash prize of Kshs 100,000, which he generously pledged to donate to charity while Kaycie Odhiambo was recognized as the Man of the Match in the AFC Leopards game.