Sisi Ni Dola Cup: Former KPL Side Congo Boys Edge Nyundo FC In Thrilling Season Opener
Tournament officials reveal the championship trophy during the kick off of the 2025 Sisi Ni Dola Cup at the Mombasa Sports Club on Friday October 3: PHOTO/ Sisi Ni Dola Cup
MOMBASA, Kenya- Congo Boys kicked off their 2025 Sisi Ni Dola Cup campaign in style with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Old Town debutants Nyundo FC in a lively match played at the Mombasa Sports Club on Friday, October 3.
Nyundo FC made an early statement in the city derby, going ahead in the 26th minute after Rodgers Okumu clinically converted a well-weighted cross from Ralim Ali.
The goal sent Nyundo fans into celebration as their team led 1-0 at halftime, despite Congo Boys dominating possession and winning four corners that failed to bear fruit.
The second half, however, saw a renewed and determined Congo Boys side take control of the game.
The equaliser came just six minutes after the restart, with Shawn Paul finishing off a well-coordinated attack in the 52nd minute.
A super fan leads his side during the kick off of the 2025 Sisi Ni Dola Cup at the Mombasa Sports Club on Friday October 3: PHOTO/ Sisi Ni Dola Cup
Congo kept up the pressure, and in the 70th minute, Kassim Beuchi found the back of the net, sealing the comeback and securing three vital points.
The turnaround followed key tactical substitutions made by the Congo Boys coach in the 60th minute, a move that clearly shifted the momentum.
Speaking after the match, Congo Boys captain Jimmy Meste praised the team’s fighting spirit and the role of their coach.
“We are prepared to lift the trophy because we have come in ready for it. The match was tough, but we gave it everything,” said Meste.
Congo Boys, once Kenya Premier League (KPL) contenders before being relegated to the National Super League in 2014, showed flashes of top-tier class.
One of the match’s standout moments came in the first half when a thunderous shot from Congo narrowly missed the target, sending the Nyundo goalkeeper the wrong way.
Another chance went begging when Congo’s second strike skimmed over the crossbar after he danced past several Nyundo defenders.
The electric atmosphere at the Mombasa Sports Club added to the drama, with the stands packed full of passionate fans eager to support their local teams. The Sisi Ni Dola Cup promises more exciting football as teams from across the coast battle for supremacy.
The glittering diadem to be lifted by the ultimate champions at the end of the 2025 Sisi Ni Dola Cup that has kicked off in Mombasa County: PHOTO/ Sisi Ni Dola Cup
On Saturday, action continues with Fetuwe FC of Kongowea taking on Fayaz FC of Mvita.
According to Hassan Ibrahim Kipapa, Sports Director at Dola Group of Companies, this year’s tournament has drawn teams from Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
The champions will walk away with a grand prize of KSh 500,000. The first runners-up will take home KSh 250,000, while individual accolades will see top players awarded KSh 20,000.
“The previous Dola Super Cup was held across all six coastal counties. While that tournament will return every three years, our current focus is on the Sisi Ni Dola Cup, dedicated to Mombasa and selected invited teams from Kwale and Kilifi,” Kipapa noted.
Top contenders include Kwale’s Denmark FC and Kwale United, with Kilifi’s Mtwapa United also expected to light up the competition in this debut edition.
Sadam Suleiman, Managing Director at Dola Group, affirmed the company’s commitment to developing local football talent through the tournament.
“The Sisi Ni Dola Cup will be an annual event, aimed at identifying new talent and also serving as a product marketing opportunity for Dola,” he said.
With a thrilling start already in the books, all eyes now turn to the next fixtures as the coastal football community rallies behind its teams in this celebration of sport, talent, and community pride.
