Obunga FC is the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Champions after defeating PASCA Langa 5-2 through a penalty shootout to lift the coveted trophy.
Walter Odek, Obunga FC’s custodian produced two stunning saves to deny the Rift Valley-based team the Sh1 million prize winners award in a match played at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo-Kisumu. The runners-up took home Sh500,000.
The much-anticipated game began on a high note with George Ogutu opening the scoresheet in the 10th minute after rounding off Langa’s goalkeeper Edwin Karanja to drill in a beautiful low shot that nestled on the far left. Cheered on by a fully packed stadium, both teams displayed a scintillating performance but they missed several openings before the half time break.
The second half was delayed for almost an hour as heavy rains pounded the lakeside city.
Langa FC restored parity in the 70th minute with a cool tap-in by Alex Kamadi following a goalkeeping howler from Odek.
The teams headed straight for a penalty shootout to find the winner.
“We are happy because we defeated a very formidable opponent. Our hard work, discipline and our tactical approach also paid off. We are highly grateful to our ever-adoring fans for their unrelenting support throughout the tournament,’’ said Evans Oketch, the Obunga FC tactician.
In the semi-finals, the reigning champions Obunga FC humbled LYSA FC 3-1 to book the final berth of the 7th edition of the tournament.
In the girl’s category, defending Champions Plateau Queens produced a stellar performance to be crowned Safaricom Chapa Dimba winners by thrashing Barcelona Ladies 4-0.
The Nyakach-based team lived up to their billing when Emily Moraa scored the first goal in the 40th minute to send the crowd into a frenzy.
The epic duel began cagily as both teams tried to break the deadlock and bag the Sh1 million champion’s prize.
In the second half, Nyakach doubled their scores in the 48th minute through Saumu Masungo.
Six minutes later Maureen Atieno made the scoreline 3-0 with a blistering shot.
Dependable player Saumu Masungo earned her brace in the 70th minute to assert Queens’ authority in the tourney’s kingdom.
“We worked hard and listened to our coaches to pull this off. But we became more motivated after winning the semi-finals and believed that we can make it happen(winning),’’ Masungo said in a post-match interview.
Queens coach Collins Opidi expressed his satisfaction with his players’ mentality, composure, and style they exhibited in the entire tournament.
“I told my players from the word go that we must win this coveted trophy for the second time and nothing else. A game against Barcelona Ladies wasn’t easy because we were scared of them as they are an established club but ours are school-going students,’’ explained Opidi during an interview conducted after the match.
He revealed that they decided to settle down and play their style of football which proved to be a game changer.
Opidi thanked the Safaricom Foundation for their continued effort in helping young players showcase their footballing talent and skills.The runners-up were also awarded Sh500,000 and a trophy.
The colourful event was graced by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, FKF President Nick Mwendwa among other guests.
By Rolex Omondi
