Al Shifaa Media FC have booked their place in the Sisi Ni Dola Cup 2026 final after edging Azzam United 1-0 in the second semi-final played at Mombasa Sports Club.
Swaleh Kenrod scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute to send Al Shifaa through to Friday’s grand final, where they will face Green Eagles for the tournament title.
Al Shifaa assistant coach Mwalimu Said Ali credited the team’s positive start for the victory, saying the early goal gave his players the advantage they needed to secure the win.
“We managed to get an early goal,” Ali said.
He also praised the players for their mental preparedness during the crucial encounter and expressed confidence that the team could go all the way and lift the trophy.
“This is a semi-final. We’re heading toward the top prize. We will win, God willing,” he said.
Al Shifaa head coach Abdulnasser Kassim acknowledged that the team had endured a challenging campaign, particularly due to injuries and a shortage of players.
“The game has been very tough for all of them,” he said.
Kassim, however, said several players who had been unavailable were expected to return for the final, providing the team with a significant boost.
He described the clash against Green Eagles as an important occasion for his players, who are representing Mombasa West in the competition.
“It will be a very big game for us. We are representing Mombasa West,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azzam United coach Mshee Mohamed Ali attributed the defeat partly to fatigue after the team travelled from Shimoni in Kwale County.
He said the long journey affected the players’ performance but added that the team would now shift focus to recovering ahead of the third-place playoff.
“Fatigue affected us due to the travelling distance,” he said.
Dola Group sports director Hassan Kipapa used the post-match session to announce the tournament’s prize structure and urged fans, journalists, scouts and coaches to attend the remaining matches.
“We invite all our fans, all journalists, scouts and coaches, especially from Bandari and Mombasa United, to come and witness our matches,” he said.
The winner of Friday’s grand final between Green Eagles and Al Shifaa Media FC will pocket Sh1 million, while the runners-up will receive Sh500,000.
The third-place playoff between Nyundo FC and Azzam United, scheduled for August 13, will see the winner take home Sh250,000.
Individual awards, including Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, Tournament MVP and Youngest Player, will each carry a Sh20,000 cash prize.
The Golden Boot race remains open, with Joshua and Enoch Lemaiyan tied on five goals each, with one match remaining before the tournament concludes.
Green Eagles reached the final after edging Nyundo FC 4-3 on penalties following a goalless 90 minutes in the first semi-final. Jacob Muchiri was named Man of the Match.
By Joan Kinuthia
