Tusker FC secured the Mozzart Bet Cup title and a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Kenya Police FC 2-1 in an entertaining final at Kwale Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Brewers were inspired by Ian Simiyu, whose first-half brace proved decisive as Tusker lifted the trophy, earned a Ksh. 3 million winners’ prize and handed Tusker Fc’s French Coach Julien Mette his first major trophy

Kenya Police made the brighter start and nearly took the lead inside the opening minutes. Yves Koutoua and Marvin Nabwire caused problems for the Tusker defence, while goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila was forced into an early save to deny Eric Zakayo’s dangerous free-kick effort.

After weathering the early pressure, Tusker gradually settled into the contest and broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Fabian Adikiny won possession in midfield before releasing Simiyu, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Job Ochieng to hand the Brewers a 1-0 lead.

Police responded almost immediately. A foul in a dangerous area presented Abud Omar with an opportunity, and the defender produced a superb curling free kick to restore parity in the 28th minute.

The match remained finely balanced until Simiyu struck again seven minutes before halftime. The forward latched onto a precise through ball, beat his marker and confidently finished to restore Tusker’s advantage heading into the break.

Police returned for the second half with renewed determination as coach Etienne Ndayiragije introduced Samuel Quansah and Ambrose Sifuna in search of an equaliser. The changes increased the pressure on Tusker, with Daniel Sakari and Clinton Kinanga both going close.

Despite sustained attacks from the law enforcers, Tusker remained dangerous on the counterattack and were inspired by an outstanding display from Ndzila. The goalkeeper produced a series of crucial saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Sakari and preserve his side’s slender lead.

Police continued to push forward through Zakayo, Quansah and Sifuna, but Tusker’s defence, marshalled by Charles Momanyi, stood firm. A late free kick deep into stoppage time offered one final opportunity, but Omar’s effort was blocked as Tusker held on to seal victory.

The triumph capped a successful campaign for the Brewers and secured their return to continental football next season.

Simiyu’s heroics in the final capped an outstanding tournament for the midfielder, who was named both the Most Valuable Player and Midfielder of the Tournament. Kenya Police defender Aboud Omar was named Defender of the Tournament, while John Majabe walked away with the Young Player of the Tournament award.

The Golden Boot was shared by Bandari FC’s Hamza Mubarak and Murang’a Seal striker Humphrey Aroko after both finished with six goals, while KCB goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro claimed the Golden Glove award.

Earlier in the day , Bandari FC claimed third place after defeating KCB FC 2-0 in the playoff match. Andrew Juma opened the scoring in the 70th minute before Amza Moubarack added a second eight minutes later, earning the Dockers Sh1.5 million, while KCB received Sh1 million for finishing fourth.