Al Shifaa FC crowned Sisi Ni Dola Cup champions

Al Shifaa FC were crowned champions of the second edition of the Sisi Ni Dola Cup after edging Green Eagles 2-1 in a fiercely contested final played at Mombasa Sports Club on Friday.

The win saw Al Shifaa, who finished third in the inaugural edition of the tournament, walk away with KSh1 million, while runners-up Green Eagles received KSh500,000.

Lawrence Dady opened the scoring for Al Shifaa in the 25th minute with a spectacular overhead kick that beat the Green Eagles defence.

Al Shifaa maintained the pressure and went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

They doubled their advantage in the second half through Mohammed Juma, who produced another wonder goal with a long-range effort from his own half after Green Eagles goalkeeper William Mandanda had moved outside his penalty area.

Green Eagles were handed a lifeline 15 minutes from full time when Swaleh Yanga converted from the penalty spot after a handball inside the 18-yard box.

Speaking after the final whistle, Al Shifaa head coach Abdulnasser Kassim welcomed the victory, attributing it to thorough preparation and hard work.

“It was not an easy game but we had planned for it since their semi-final. We studied their game and came up with a plan on how to beat them, and it worked very well.”

Kassim said retaining most of last season's squad, alongside a few new additions, gave them an advantage over their opponents.

“We retained our last season players with a few additions and that’s why we were different from other teams,” added coach Kassim.

Green Eagles head coach Davies Ikocheli was disappointed with the outcome but praised his players for their late fightback.

“We started badly in the first half by allowing their first goal, and from there we knew it was not going to be an easy match. But we kept our faith and you saw towards the end we were ready to overturn the result, but time was not on our side.”

Al Shifaa, who finished third in the inaugural edition of the tournament, walked away with KSh1 million, while runners-up Green Eagles received KSh500,000.

Joshua Oyoo of Fayaz FC and Enock Lemeyian of Juve FC shared the Golden Boot after scoring five goals each. Ahmed Hussam of Mombasa Kings was named the Young Player of the Tournament.

Green Eagles goalkeeper William Mandanda was voted Best Goalkeeper, while Lawrence Okoth was named Player of the Tournament.

Each individual award winner received a trophy and KSh20,000 in prize money.

Earlier on Thursday, Azzam United from Kwale County secured third place after defeating Nyundo FC 2-1 at Mombasa Sports Club. Azzam United received KSh250,000.