Ksh.1 million at stake as Alshifaa, Green Eagles reach Sisi Ni Dola Cup final

Alshifaa Media FC will clash with Green Eagles in the final of the second edition of the Sisi Ni Dola Cup this Friday at the Mombasa Sports Club, following high-stakes semi-final victories for both sides.

Alshifaa, who suffered a bitter semi-final exit in the inaugural tournament, punched their ticket to the championship match on Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kwale-based Azzam United.

Swaleh Lenrod proved to be the hero, scoring the decisive goal to send his team through.

Alshifaa Media FC head coach Abdulnasser Kassim praised his squad’s resilience while acknowledging the tough test they had to overcome.

“It was not an easy game — it was the hardest match in this tournament. We monitored them since their first match and came with a plan on how we could contain them.”

Kassim also confirmed a major boost for the final, revealing he will have a full-strength squad to choose from as key players return.

“Going into the final, we will have the full house. The players who were held by their team, Mombasa United, including our first goalkeeper, will be with us, and we will go for the top prize,” added Coach Kassim.

On the other side, Azzam United head coach Mohammed Ali Mshee reflected ruefully on his team's missed opportunities.

“Football is a game of chances, and we got ours. Some were clear chances, but we did not capitalise. Our opponent utilised their chance, and we are now out of the final. We will fight hard for third place.”

Green Eagles secured their own spot in the final on Monday, overcoming Nyundo FC 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Nyundo FC and Azzam United will now battle for bronze in the third-place playoff on Thursday.

Tournament organiser Hassan Kipapa anticipates an explosive grand finale between the two finalists.

“Many expected Azzam versus Nyundo in the final, and since they were defeated, we must expect a fierce match between Green Eagles and Alshifaa,” said Kipapa.

Kipapa also extended an invitation to talent hunters across the region ahead of the showpiece event:

“We welcome scouts and coaches at all levels to come on board and get some of our players since they have shown what they can do. We have seen the best, and we expect even better as we approach the final.”

The tournament champions will walk away with KSh 1 million, while the runners-up will claim KSh 500,000, and the third-placed team will earn KSh 250,000.

Individual brilliance will also be rewarded, with KSh 20,000 each designated for the tournament's Best Player, Young Player, Best Goalkeeper, and Top Scorer.