Githurai All Stars, Kawasaki set for Sakaja Super Cup showdown after electrifying regional finals

The Sakaja Super Cup Nairobi East regional finals delivered football drama at its finest, as Githurai All-Stars edged past a spirited Shauri Moyo United in a pulsating 3-2 victory at the packed-to-capacity Dandora Stadium.

The electrifying atmosphere set the stage for a football masterclass, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the grand finale on Friday, December 20, 2024.

From the first whistle, it was a box-to-box showdown, with goals flying in on both ends. Defending champions Githurai All Stars (GAS) was determined to book their rematch against 2023 rivals Kawasaki Sports, who had earlier sealed their spot in the finals.

Githurai skipper Kevin Njuguna opened the scoring with a 4th-minute penalty, only for Shauri Moyo’s Abednego Wawire to equalize in the 16th minute with a stunning strike.

Nganga Edwin restored Githurai’s lead in the 30th minute, but Wawire struck again in the 42nd minute, levelling the game at 2-2. The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when Nganga slotted home from close range, securing Githurai’s hard-fought victory and their ticket to the finals.

Meanwhile, in the Nairobi West regional finals, Kawasaki Sports clinched their place in the Sakaja Super Cup grand finale for the second consecutive year. A lone strike from Ali ‘Aguero’ Maleche sealed a 1-0 victory over South C Rangers.

Earlier in the day, Kawasaki had triumphed 4-3 on penalties against Asec Huruma in a continuation of their disrupted match.

The 2024 Sakaja Super Cup ladies’ chapter also promises a thrilling finale, as South C Queens face off against Shrink Pack Ladies FC.

South C Queens showcased dominance in their regional final, defeating Nairobi Starlets 3-1 in a tactical encounter. Maureen Omekede opened the scoring in the very first minute, with Mercy Baraza equalizing for Starlets in the 4th. Omekede struck again in the 24th minute, and Margaret Omweri’s 32nd-minute goal sealed the win for the Queens.

Shrink Pack Ladies FC earned their spot in the grand finale after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Soweto Starlets in the Nairobi East regional finals. Sylvia Apondi put Soweto ahead in the 45th minute, but Shrink Pack’s Mary Kimani turned the game around with a brilliant brace in the 65th and 82nd minutes, ensuring their place in the finals.

The Sakaja Super Cup’s grand finale will not only crown champions but also reward them handsomely. In the men’s category, the winners will pocket a top prize of KSh 3 million, with KSh 2 million for the runners-up and KSh 1 million for the third-place team.

In the women’s category, the champions will take home KSh 1 million, while the runners-up and third-place finishers will receive KSh 500,000 and KSh 250,000, respectively.

As the countdown to December 20 continues, fans are gearing up for a thrilling culmination of a tournament that has already delivered unforgettable moments and showcased the best of grassroots football talent in Nairobi.