Safaricom Chapa Dimba: Eight teams advance to Nyanza Regional semis

Eight teams have secured their places in Saturday’s Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional semifinals, set to be played at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, Kisumu County.

The eight teams, including regional and national defending champions Obunga FC, Kendu Muslim, Awendo Football Academy, Indomitable Soldiers, Plateau Queens, Masosa Starlets, Hedso Queens, and Otendo Comprehensive Starlets, booked their slots in the semifinals following tough inter-county playoffs held Friday at four different venues across Kisumu County.

In Pool A of the Boys’ category, played at Kasagam School Playground, Kisumu-based Obunga FC topped the pool with four points after defeating Nyaguku FC 2-1 in their opening match before drawing 2-2 with Kendu Muslim of Homa Bay in their second encounter.

The match between Kendu Muslim and Nyaguku FC ended in a 1-1 draw, sending Nyaguku FC out of the challenge.

In Pool B of the Boys’ category, played at Railways Ground, Awendo Football Academy secured top spot after beating Sameta High School of Kisii 1-0 in their second match, following a 0-0 draw against Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers in their opening encounter.

Earlier, Sameta High School and Indomitable Soldiers had played out a 2-2 draw, a result that saw Sameta exit the tournament.

“First, I am happy to have reached this far. It wasn’t easy considering how competitive the region is in terms of football. Last edition, we came in as St. Peter's Wagai and were eliminated at the semifinals. However, this year we are determined to get to the finals and take home the regional trophy,” said Isaac Odhiambo, Assistant Coach, Indomitable Soldiers.

“My boys really displayed a good game, though we drew both our matches. The first match against Sameta wasn’t that tough, but a lack of concentration in defence led to the draw, which almost cost us qualification. But I am glad we made it, and tomorrow, we hope to give our best and rectify the mistakes,” added Odhiambo.

In the Girls’ Pool A showdown at Kisumu Boys High School, Plateau Queens stamped their authority after defeating Nyamira Starlets-Bondo of Siaya 1-0 and Otendo Comprehensive Starlets of Kisii 2-0.

In the other Pool A encounter, Otendo Comprehensive Starlets defeated Nyamira Starlets-Bondo 1-0, sending the latter out of the competition.

“We are taking it one game at a time. Every team here is a champion from their respective counties, hence we can’t underrate anyone. Today, we won both our matches and qualified for the semifinals scheduled for tomorrow, but the task is still ahead as we are determined to defend our title,” said Moses Atego, Assistant Coach, Plateau Queens. 

In the Girls’ Pool B at Kisumu Day, Hedso Queens of Homa Bay advanced after overwhelming Masosa Starlets of Nyamira County 4-2 and Oyugi Ogango Girls of Homa Bay 4-1.

The match between Oyugi Ogango and Masosa Starlets ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that saw both Hedso Queens and Masosa Starlets advance to the semifinals.

On Saturday, the Girls’ semifinals will see Plateau Queens take on Masosa Starlets in the first encounter, before Hedso Queens face Otendo Comprehensive Starlets in the second match.

Later in the afternoon, the Boys’ semifinals will take centre stage, with the first match seeing Awendo Football Academy square it out with Kendu Muslim, before the highly anticipated action between defending champions Obunga FC and Indomitable Soldiers of Siaya County.

The winners of the respective semifinals will proceed to the finals set for Sunday, with the champions taking home Ksh. 250,000, while the runners-up will pocket Ksh. 150,000, alongside other individual prizes, including smartphones.