The Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32 took place over the weekend, with 32 teams battling for Ksh 2,000,000 in winner’s prize money and a chance to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.An impressive eighteen teams drawn from other levels apart from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) had it made to the last 64 with only five snapping a ticket to the next round.##NAJAVA_MECA_7898628##National Super League (NSL) sides Mara Sugar, SS Assad, Kajiado, Silibwet Leons, and Mombasa Stars all competed. Kajiado and Silibwet were the only teams from the second tier to face elimination after suffering a 2-0 defeat from third-tier outfit Compel FC and Sofapaka, respectively. Additionally, Division One sides Zetech Titans and Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) were eliminated by Mara and KCB FC, respectively.The defending champions of the FKF Premier League, Gor Mahia, faced another disappointing setback in the competition for the second year in a row. They were unable to advance after a penalty shootout loss to Denmark FC, a team from the Regional League based in Kwale County.The last 32 promises fireworks, with enticing matches lined up.In the upcoming round of 16 fixtures, Tusker will face off against cup-reigning champions Kakamega Homeboyz, while Ulinzi Stars will take on Kariobangi Sharks. Giant killers Bungoma Stars will host Sofapaka, who narrowly edged past Silibwet via penalties. Additionally, Police FC will clash with Mombasa Stars, AFC Leopards will travel to Shabana, Compel will entertain Mara Sugar, Bidco United will host KCB in an all-Premier League encounter, and Assad will conclude the action with a coastal derby against Denmark at Ukunda Showground.Minnows prevail over giantsFrom the start, the cup has not lacked drama with underdogs rising to the occasion and eliminating the bigwigs perceived as the favorites in the tournament.On Saturday, fourth-tier side Bungoma defied all the odds at Police Sacco Stadium to send packing a reluctant FC Talanta thanks to seasoned Meshack Karani’s strike. The win earned them the tag of giant killers after dumping out Bandari in the preliminary rounds of the Mozzart Bet Cup.In Ukunda, Gor Mahia became the latest high-profile team to be bundled out of contention for the Cup after suffering a shock loss on post-match penalties to Regional side Denmark FC. The league leaders, after being forced to a barren draw at full time, saw their hopes for a potential cup double this season dashed as they lost 5-4 on penalties.Gor Mahia dumped outThe tournament’s most successful team with 11 accolades, Gor Mahia, will not add another title to their cabinet after being bundled out by stubborn Denmark.Despite starting a strong side with Caleb Otieno getting the nod between the sticks, K’Ogallo failed to breach the fifth-tier outfit as they lost on penalties.Gor Mahia have been eliminated from the Mozzart Bet Cup by Regional League underdogs Denmark FC.After a goalless draw in regular time, Denmark’s won 5-4 in the post-match shootout. #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/e9VhcQ89CJ— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) February 25, 2024 Arthur Gitego keeps Ingwe’s dream alive AFC Leopards Rwandese striker Arthur Gitego opened his goal account at the den in a fashionable way, scoring a hattrick to propel the Big Cats to the Round of 16, seeing off varsity boy’s PAC University 3-0.The goals not only kept Ingwe’s hopes of silverware this term but also built the morale of the forward, who is still waiting for his maiden league goal after making a move to the club in the mid-season transfer window.PAC University FC Vs. AFC Leopards highlights #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/bupMiIBSdO— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) February 25, 2024 Post-match penalties all over the cup The tournament witnessed a large chunk of matches being decided by post-match penalties after draws in regular time, outlining the growing intensity between top league sides and the lower teams.Mara Sugar depended on goalkeeper Felix Adoyo’s heroics to prevail past the Zetech Titans, while Shabana, Denmark, and Sofapaka all got to the next round thanks to spot kicks.Upset Alert: Gor Mahia bounced out of Mozzart Bet Cup in shock loss to Denmak FC
