Hosts Obunga FC from Kisumu County, Vihiga’s Ebwali Boys, PASC Langa from Uasin Gishu and Bandari Youth from Mombasa sealed their places in the semi finals of the in-progress Chapa Dimba national finals soccer tourney in Kisumu.
Both sides sailed to the semis after winning their respective quarter final matches at Moi and MamboLeo stadium,Kisumu.
Obunga FC, coached by Evans Oketch, sailed to the semis by defeating Lysa FC from central 3-1 in the first of the boys’ quarterfinals at Mamboleo Stadium. Rodgers Omondi opened the scoring in the 6th minute, putting his team ahead. John Lokalia equalized for Lysa FC in the 23rd minute. Bill Clinton scored at the stroke of halftime to hand his side a 2-1 lead at the breather. Collins Otieno netted the third goal four minutes after halftime, to seal the emphatic 3-1 win for the hosts.
In the second quarter final Ebwali Boys beat Chuka University Scorpions 2-1 to secure their spot in the semifinals. The Scorpios struck first in the 10th minute, through Enock Runi.
Ebwali Boys was the better side for most of the 90 minutes creating numerous chances. After falling behind,they rallied to equalize just before the first half whistle through Austine Odongo’s penalty.
Four minutes after the restart, captain Derrick Oketch scored the winner to all but seal the victory for Ebwali.
PASC Langa FC from Uasin Gishu clinched their semi final spot after coming from behind to beat Dandora Young Kings 4-1.
Bandari Youth FC defeated Wajir All Stars 6-1 to also secure their spot in the semifinals.
The boys’ semifinals will be played on Saturday at Mamboleo stadium with Obunga FC will battle it out with Bandari Youth FC, while Ebwali Boys FC will clash with PASC Langa FC.
Meanwhile In the girls’ semifinals scheduled today Brenda Girls will meet Wiyeta Girls as Plateau Queens alias Nyakach Girls square it out with Barcelona Ladies SC.
Brenda Girls saw off Kitui’s Syomunyu Secondary 4-2 in the quarter final.
“In the first half, we were a bit sluggish, but in the second half, we came in strong, dominating the game and securing the win. For the semifinals, our strategy is to remain composed, capitalize on numerous attacks, as our ultimate goal is to lift the national trophy,” said Dickson Simiyu, Head Coach Brenda Girls
In the other quarter final Rift Valley’s Wiyeta Girls from Trans Nzoia, pipped Dagoretti Mixed Girls from Nairobi 1-0.
“As Wiyeta we have the heritage and we have prepared well. Our goal is to win the national title and bag the million shillings.” Joseph Wafula, Head Coach Wiyeta Girls
In the other quarterfinals, Nyanza’s reigning champions and season one national champions, Plateau Queens, secured a 2-0 victory over Changamwe Ladies. Meanwhile, Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia whooped Wajir Queens 18-0.
The winners in each category will receive Ksh.1Million with top players receiving tertiary education ,TVET,scholarships.
The 1st runners-up sides will take-home KES. 500,000 each with the 2nd runners-up taking KES.250,000.
Outstanding players (The Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls) will each receive KES. 50,000.
