Kisumu’s Obunga FC has advanced to the finals of the Chapa Dimba Nyanza Region after hammering Nyaguku FC from Nyamira 4 – 0 in a one-sided semifinal played at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Duncan Omalla scored 2 quickfire goals in the 2nd and 6th minutes while Goerge Ogutu added 2 more goals in the 47th and 50th minutes of to give the home team the befitting win.
“I am pleased with today’s victory as my team demonstrated resilience after a challenging game. It wasn’t easy, but we maintained our composure and gave it our all to ensure that we secured a slot in the finals. I want to express my gratitude to our fans who turned out in large numbers to support us. I believe their support also boosted the morale of the boys as we aim to bring this trophy home,” said Amos Ochieng, Head Coach of Obunga FC.
In another Semi-final, Awendo Academy came from behind to beat St. Peter’s Wagai 3-1. Geffrey Junga opened the scoring for St. Peter’s Wagai in the 10th minute. Steve Ochieng equalized six minutes later with a bolt from outside the box for a 1-1 scoreline at the break. In the second half, Awendo Academy turned on the style scoring two more goals courtesy of Syphas Owuor and Austine Onyango.
Obunga FC will therefore battle it out with Awendo Academy in the Sunday’s finals for the ticket to represent the Nyanza region in the national championship.
Meanwhile, the reigning regional champions and Chapa Dimba’s inaugural winners, Plateau Queens, popularly known as Nyakach Girls, will face off with VSA Girls from Siaya after they knocked out Kisii Queens 2-1.
The elegant Swaumu Nanjala who displayed top skill chipped the Kisii Queens keeper to score the first goal minutes before the break. Kisii Queens started the second half brightly and their efforts were rewarded when Christine Osebe scored directly from a freekick to level the scores at 1-1. With the game seemingly headed to penalties a handball in the Kisii Queens box was punished with a spot kick sweetly converted by the red-hot Nanjala.
Victoria Sports Academy booked their spot in the final after defeating Ageng’a 1-0, with Seline Achieng scoring the decisive goal.
The winners (boys and girls) at the regional finals will take home KES. 250,000 and earn a slot to represent Nyanza at the national finals set for early next year in Nairobi.
The runners-up teams will receive KES. 150,000 each. The Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Goalkeeper, and Top Scorer (boys and girls) will each receive KES. 30,000.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza region featured a total of 530 teams, including 412 Boys’ teams and 118 Girls’ teams, that participated in the tournament from the ward level. Safaricom Chapa Dimba aims to provide a structured platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan football leagues across the country while also training a total of 250 coaches. The tournament targets footballers aged between 16 and 20 years old.
