Obucuun FC were crowned Football Kenya Federation Teso South sub branch champions after crushing Lukolis FC 3-1 in a tough final encounter played at Otimong Primary School grounds.
Lukolis kicked off the match on a high note with good crisp passes but had to wait till the 20th minute when their prolific goal scorer Manuel Osoro found the back of the net with a close-range shot.
The goal didn’t demoralize Obucuun who were determined to win the league.
They piled pressure and a minute before the half-time break they leveled the score through Bashir Wandao.
Two minutes into the second half, Obucuun were on top of things with Wandao out jumping Lukolis defenders to head home the second goal from a free kick 26 metres away to give him a brace.
In the 85th minute, Ronald Madoi buried Lukolis FC’s dream with a third goal despite its players’ determination to salvage a draw and force the match into extra time.
After the game Obucuun Captain, Odeke George William said hard work and team spirit led to their emphatic victory after trailing 0-1 for the better part of first-half.
Lukolis Captain Eddy Ekoto on his part congratulated Obucuun saying they were the better side especially in the second half which they dominated.
The 90-minute thriller was a climax of the two-zonal league that attracted a total of 21teams.
Obucuun topped Zone A with 49 points with four draws, 3 losses and 15 wins. Runners-up Chakol finished with 44 points.
Lukolis completed the nine-team Zone B league with 49 points, winning 15 matches and drawing one while Machakusi were a distant second with 38 points.
In the playoff match played earlier to determine number three, Zone B runners up Machakusi beat zone A runner-up, Chakol 2-1.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong who graced the finals asked Members of the County Assembly to set aside funds from the Ward Development kitty to sponsor annual tournaments in order to nurture talent and keep the youths busy and away from criminal activities.
“I will soon hold a meeting with officials of the Football Kenya Federation Busia Branch to see how best to assist clubs participating in various leagues in the county and the region,”Ojaamong pledged.
FKF Busia Branch chairman, Hillary Musundi urged parents to procure for their children balls and kits and give them time to train as a way to nurture their talents.
He thanked the governor for supporting the league and gifting the participating teams’ prizes.
He urged team officials to make use of technology to solicit for support from well-wishers.
Obucuun received a trophy and Sh50, 000. Lukolis received a trophy and Sh25,000. Machakusi took home a trophy and Sh15, 000 while Chakol which took fourth position were contented with a trophy and Sh10, 000.
Seventeen teams including Kidera, Ojaamong FC, Aterait, Amaase, Alomodoi, Angorom, Asiriam, Apegei, Asinge, Ong’ariama, Amongura, Kwangamor, Kaliwa, Katelenyang, Kotur, Osia, and Kifaru which took part in the league received Sh5,000 each.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
