With the FKF Premier League season now concluded, all eyes turn to the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup final , a fixture that not only promises silverware but also the coveted final ticket to continental football.
Record league champions Gor Mahia, who fell short in their bid to retain the league title, now have one last chance to salvage their season. Victory in the Mozzart Bet Cup would not only deliver a trophy but also secure them a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, as the league champions head to the CAF Champions League.
Gor Mahia’s Cup Redemption
While their league campaign ended in disappointment, Gor Mahia’s run in the Mozzart Bet Cup has been nothing short of emphatic. The Green Army stormed through the early rounds, thumping Githurai All Stars 5–0 in the Round of 32, dispatching Bandari 2–0 away in the Round of 16, and outclassing Kariobangi Sharks 2–0 in the quarterfinals at Dandora Stadium.
Their toughest test came in the semifinals, where they battled to a dramatic 2–2 draw against Murang’a Seal before holding their nerve in a penalty shootout. Now, they find themselves in yet another cup final, facing an unfamiliar yet fearless opponent , Nairobi United FC.
The Rise of the Underdogs: Nairobi United’s Fairy-Tale Season
From Division One to the Mozzart Bet Cup final in just two seasons, Nairobi United’s story is a fairytale in Kenyan football. Founded in 2015 as Balaji EPZ FC, the club rebranded to Nairobi United in 2022. Two seasons ago, they were still battling in the third-tier Division One, but after edging Zoo FC in a promotion playoff, they secured a place in the National Super League (NSL). Now, after spending two impressive seasons in the NSL ; including a near miss in their debut campaign , they have been crowned champions and are set to feature in the FKF Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
But their meteoric rise hasn’t stopped there. In the Mozzart Cup, Nairobi United have earned the moniker Giant Killers, taking out some of the country’s top-tier clubs along the way. They began by eliminating 13-time league champions Tusker FC in the Round of 32 after a 1–1 draw and a 5–4 shootout win. They repeated the feat against KCB in the Round of 16 with a 0–0 draw and a 6–5 win on penalties.
Their most eye-catching performance came in the quarterfinals, where they stunned Kakamega Homeboyz ;a top-five FKF Premier League side with a 2–0 victory. In the semis, they once again defied the odds, drawing 1–1 with Mara Sugar before sealing their final berth with a 3–1 shootout triumph.
Final Showdown: David vs Goliath?
The final, set for June 28th at Ulinzi Sports Complex, pits the tournament’s most decorated side against its most surprising.
Gor Mahia head coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno has stressed the importance of finishing strong:
“It’s a final. A final is always a must-win situation. For us, it’s nothing different , we remain focused.”
Captain Philemon Otieno echoed the sentiment:
“We want to redeem ourselves with a win—especially for our fans. It is important to end the season on a high note.”
On the other hand, Nairobi United coach Nicholas Muyoti believes his side has nothing to lose and everything to prove:
“This has been a fantastic season. We are glad to be in the Premier League and now, we are one match away from winning the Mozzartbet Cup. We are in it to win it.”
Players to Watch
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia): With 4 goals in the tournament, he is eyeing the Golden Boot, just one behind current leader Bryan Migiro (5 goals).
Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia): Also in contention for the top scorer award with 3 goals to his name.
Gad Mathews (Gor Mahia): A frontrunner for the Golden Glove with 4 clean sheets in 5 matches, only conceding in the semifinal.
