Al Shifaa FC were crowned champions of the Sisi Ni Dola Cup 2026 after beating Green Eagles 2-1 in a hard-fought final at Mombasa Sports Club on Friday, capping a five-week tournament that brought together 24 teams from five Coast counties.
Lawrence Dady put Al Shifaa ahead in the 25th minute with an overhead kick, and the side held that lead into the break. Mohammed Juma doubled the advantage after the restart with a long-range effort from inside his own half, catching Green Eagles goalkeeper William Mandanda off his line. Green Eagles pulled one back through a Swaleh Yanga penalty with 15 minutes left, but could not find a second as Al Shifaa held on for the win.
The victory earned Al Shifaa the Sh1 million grand prize, with Green Eagles collecting Sh500,000 as runners-up. Al Shifaa head coach Abdulnasser Kassim said the win came down to preparation, telling reporters his side had studied Green Eagles’ game since the semi-final stage and built a plan around it.
He also credited continuity in the squad, with most of last season’s players retained alongside a handful of new additions. Green Eagles coach Davies Ikocheli said his side had made it hard for themselves by conceding first, but praised the players for pushing until the final whistle in search of an equaliser.
The tournament’s individual awards were also handed out at the final. Joshua Oyoo of Fayaz FC and Enock Lemeyian of Juve FC shared the Golden Boot on five goals apiece, while Green Eagles goalkeeper William Mandanda picked up Best Goalkeeper. Lawrence Okoth was named Player of the Tournament, and Ahmed Hussam of Mombasa Kings took the Young Player award. Each individual winner received a trophy and Sh 20,000.
This year’s edition marked a significant expansion from the inaugural tournament, growing from a Mombasa-only competition to one drawing 24 teams across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties, with Lamu making its debut. Matches began on July 11 with defending champions Fayaz FC facing Magongo United, and ran for five weeks through to Friday’s final, all staged at Mombasa Sports Club.
Al Shifaa’s title arrives after finishing third in the tournament’s first edition, while Azzam United of Kwale County secured third place this year with a 2-1 win over Nyundo FC on Thursday, taking home Sh 250,000.
By Joan Kinuthia
