Exciting Showdown: The Young Kings FC vs. Dagoretti Lions in Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nairobi Region Finals

The Young Kings FC from Dandora will clash with Dagoretti Lions in the finals of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nairobi region set for tomorrow, Sunday at the Dandora Stadium.

The Young Kings FC advanced to the finals after humbling Ruruaka’s Lucky Summer Sports Club 1-0 in an enthralling match that drew thousands of fans. Joshua Macharia weathered an early goal in the 4th minute through a free kick earning his side a befitting victory hence sending them direct to the finals.

They will face coach Makokha’s side Dagoretti Lions, who made it to the finals after edging out Macmillan FC from Landimawe 2-1. Dagoretti’s goals were netted by the maestro Ken Andati and Kang Dhuor in the 20th and 38th minutes, respectively. Neville Ochieng scored the solitary goal for Macmillan FC.

“We came for victory, and I am glad we got it. Tomorrow, we are going for nothing but a win and to claim the regional title. Our main aim is to reach the national level and bring the trophy home,” said Ken Andati, a player for Dagoretti Lions.

In the Girls’ category, the two-time reigning regional champions Beijing Raiders narrowly lost to Dagoretti Mixed on penalty shootouts (4-5) after 1- 1 draw in regular time.  Dagoretti Mixed opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Ruth Safari and dominated the match showcasing a tactful match with cool strings of passes in the first half and for the better part of the second half.  Monica Kitonga of Beijing however surprised Dagoretti with an equalizer in the final minute, leading the teams into the penalty shootout.

“We dominated the match and my girls were very tactful. Our aim is to secure a spot in the nationals, and tomorrow will tell. Beating the two-time reigning champions is no easy feat, but we were well-prepared and confident even in our penalty shoots. We thank our fans for their immense support and promise them another good game tomorrow,” said Joseph Odhiambo”, head coach of Dandora Mixed Girls.

Dagoretti Mixed Girls will play against Misericordiae Queens, who also secured their spot in the final by edging out Page Vision Ladies in a 4-3 penalty shootout after the match ended in a goalless draw.

The winners (boys’ and girls’ team) will take home KES. 250,000 and will also represent the Nairobi region in the national finals set for April. The runners-up teams will also take-home KES. 150,000 each. Outstanding players (The Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player (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.