Tharaka Nithi’s newly crowned champions, Chuka University Scorpions, and their counterparts, Chuka University Starlets, are through to the Chapa Dimba regional finals set for tomorrow, Sunday, 10th December, at Kinoru Stadium.
The Chuka University Scorpions will face off against Embu’s Predators in the regional finals slated for tomorrow, Sunday, at Kinoru Stadium. The Scorpions advanced to the regional finals by edging out Machakos Boys 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time. The Scorpions took the lead in the 33rd minute through Robinson Muriira, with Augustino Maya equalizing in the 38th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
In the girls’ category, last edition’s finalists, Chuka Starlets, will compete against Syomunyu Secondary School from Kitui. Chuka Starlets secured a 1-0 victory against Saku Queens from Marsabit, earning them a spot in the finals with hopes of claiming the regional titles. Beth Kathomi scored the only goal for Chuka University Starlets through a penalty in the 54th minute.
In the opening match, Syomunyu Secondary School edged out Mavoko Starlets from Machakos 3-0, becoming the first team to secure a spot in the regional title race. Lilian Vaati opened the scoresheet for her side in the 17th minute, doubling the scores in the 45th minute to make it 2-0. Five minutes later, Dorcas Hellen netted the third goal, sealing the victory for her team.
“I am glad that we have advanced to the finals set for tomorrow, where we will be facing Syomunyu Girls. This marks our second time reaching the regional finals, and I believe that this time, we will emerge victorious and secure the opportunity to represent the Eastern region in the finals.” Said, Easther Robi, head coach Chuka Starlets.
In the match played between Predators and Galbatura United from Isiolo, Predators secured a 3-2 victory. Oscar Mugambi fired an early goal in the 4th minute of the game, with Husein Abdirahman responding quickly to equalize in the 9th minute, resulting in a 1-1 score at halftime. Galbatura United started the second half on high spirits, securing their second goal through a penalty. However, they failed to maintain their lead, allowing Patrick Vundi to penetrate their defense and score the second goal, with Oscar Mugambi netting his second goal to make it 3-2.
The winners (boys’ and girls’ team) will take home KES. 250,000 and book a slot to represent the region at the national finals set for early next year. The runners-up teams will take home KES. 150,000 each. The Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable (boys and girls) will each receive KES. 30,000. In addition to the prize money each player, both winners and runners-up will also get Neon Smartphones, the first locally assembled 4G smartphone in Kenya.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern region featured a total of 444 teams from across eight counties of the region: Isiolo, Marsabit, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties.