FKF Cup: Equity stun defending champions Bandari to book AFC Leopards in semifinals

Bandari's abdalla hassan(left) trying to block a potential attack by Equity's Levian Ochieng [Courtesy]

Equity FC on Wednesday knocked out defending Champions Bandari out of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup quarterfinals after defeating them 1-0 in a tight match played at Ruaraka Grounds.

Kajumba Sande struck the solitary goal on 58 minutes to send the FKF Division Two side into their first-ever semi-finals of the domestic cup.

Equity, under the tutelage of former Kenyan international John Baraza, now face either 10-time winners AFC Leopards in the semi-finals this weekend.

Speaking after the win, Baraza, who won the title as a player with Sofapaka, said he was happy with the performance of the players and they are looking forward to the semifinals.

“As a coach, I am very happy because when you go down in the lower divisions and come out with a team that can reach the levels we have played so far and beat stronger opponents like Bandari shows the boys are making right progress,” Baraza said.

“Today was all about the positive attitude I was trying to instil to the boys, telling them football is played with 11 players each and to face the opponents without fear and that is what they did. They matched a Premier League side and that shows that we are a good team as well.”

Bandari Coach Cassa Mbungo on his side decried wasted chance,

“We wasted chances and they scored with their only chance but that is football. Now we have to turn our focus to the league,” he said.

At the same ground, AFC Leopards' captain of the day Isaack Kipyegon’s penalty in the 33rd minute of the game was enough to hand Ingwe a narrow 1-0 win over FKF Premier League leaders Tusker who bow out of the knockout cup competition.

Following the slim win, the Ingwe will face FKF Division Two side Equity FC in the semifinal.

The win saw Leopards record their second win over Tusker this season after beating them 2-1 in the premier league in November last year.