FKF Premier League debutants Mara Sugar FC will progress to the Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 16 after the appeal lodged by AFC Leopards was dismissed by the Football Kenya Federation’s Appeals Body, Mozzart Sport can report.AFC Leopards had challenged the decision to disqualify them from the tournament following their Round of 32 match against Mara Sugar FC on Saturday, 8 March, at Mambo Leo Stadium in Kisumu, which was abandoned due to crowd trouble in the final minutes.##NAJAVA_MECA_8910386##Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIn the 89th minute, with the score tied at 0-0, the referee awarded Leopards a penalty but reversed the decision after consulting his assistant. This sparked outrage among Leopards supporters, who invaded the pitch in protest, leading to the match being called off on security grounds.The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee ruled that AFC Leopards fans were responsible for the abandonment, awarding Mara Sugar FC passage to the Round of 16.##NAJAVA_MECA_8912383##The ruling stated, “AFC Leopards SC fans were found responsible for the abandonment of the match due to unlawfully invading the pitch. In line with Article 6.4(iv) of the Mozzart Bet Cup Regulations and Article 3.5.6 of the FKF Rules & Regulations Governing Kenyan Football, AFC Leopards will forfeit the match, and Mara Sugar FC will be awarded the victory, progressing to the next round of the competition. AFC Leopards SC has been issued a warning concerning the misconduct of their supporters and is advised to implement measures to prevent future incidents of hooliganism.”U20 AFCON: Eliminated Kenya out to salvage pride against Nigeria in dead-rubber duelAFC Leopards protested the ruling, arguing that the committee had erred in its judgment. Dissatisfied with the outcome, they appealed to the federation’s appeals body. After weeks of deliberation, the appeals body upheld the Leagues and Competitions Committee’s decision, confirming Mara Sugar FC’s advancement to the Round of 16, where they will face FKF Division One side Compel FC. The winner of this tie will meet Kenya Police FC in the quarterfinals.Meanwhile, the tournament has reached the semifinal stage, with Gor Mahia, Nairobi United, and Murang’a Seal FC already in the final four. The last semifinalist will be determined after the quarterfinal match between Kenya Police FC and the winner of the Mara Sugar FC and Compel FC tie.U20 AFCON: Eliminated Kenya out to salvage pride against Nigeria in dead-rubber duel
