Obucuun Border FC will have a game of their life when they play Jobless FC today, May 24, in the Global Appeal Football Tournament at the Busia County Stadium, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Obucuun, the Western Regional League runner away leaders, achieved the historic feat after beating Masters 4-2 on post-match penalties following a goalless draw in regular time.
Obucuum had to withstand long balls and counter-attacks from experienced Masters FC, a team comprising of retired football legends across the county who have mastered the art of football for decades now.
Goals from Paul Orono, James Otim, Rashid Juma, and Ekoto Julius from the spot secured a slot for Obucuum FC in the final after their opponents missed two penalties.
In another entertaining thriller played at the Busia County Stadium, Jobless FC knocked out Division Two side OPET FC 1-0, with the lone goal scored by Oscar Masiga.
Masiga converted a foul outside the 18-yard betting Opet FC shot stopper after an erroneous display by goalkeeper
OPET survived possible elimination in the quarterfinals by beating Matayos Sub Branch League side Real Busia 5-3 on post-match penalties after a goalless draw in normal time.
Opet scored all five penalties through Francis Okello, Mark Ekisa, Brandon Wafula, Michael Oduor, and Kevin Nato. Brian Odhiambo, Stalon Otieno, and Peter Otieno scored for Real Busia, while David Mang’eni’s strike missed the target.
In the quarterfinals, Obucuun beat County League side Khwilare 2-0 to secure a semi-final slot. Their prolific goal scorer, Filex Adunguli, netted in the 25th minute before James Otim scored the second goal in the second half.
The third quarterfinal saw Jobless hammer Young Tigers 4-0 to sail through to the semis. Oscar Masiga netted a brace in the 16th and 67th minutes, with Okumu and Yassin Sije accounting for one goal each.
In the last quarterfinal encounter, Busia Masters beat Busia Fusion 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Defry Onam, Garby Emmanuel, and Evans Ebuye scored for Masters, with Fusion’s consolation penalty netted by J. Sylvester.
The ladies’ finals started at 11 a.m at the Busia stadium, pitting Lukolis against regional flagbearers, Chakol Queens. Lukolis beat Soccer Sisters 1-0 in the semi-final.
Chakol Queens earned a bye to the final; out of nine teams that had registered, only three confirmed participation.
By Absalom Namwalo
