Over the weekend of 30th September 2023 (Saturday), and 1st October 2023 (Sunday), it was time for Nyanza Region to crown its Chapa Dimba na Safaricom regional champions in both the boys’ and the girls’ categories in the ongoing tournament. Eight teams, Obunga FC and Plateau Queens from Kisumu, St. Peter’s Wagai Mixed and Victoria Sports Academy (VSA) from Siaya, Awendo Academy and Ageng’a Girls from Migori, Nyaguku FC from Nyamira and Kisii Queens from Kisii County all had booked their slots in the semi final after being champions in the intercounties competition building up to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional finals.
In the first semi final in the boys’ category, Obunga FC from Kisumu advanced into the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Nyanza Region finals after thrashing Nyaguku FC from Nyamira 4 – 0 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu. Obunga FC were the better side throughout the match and braces from Duncan Omalla in the 2nd and 6th minute and George Ogutu in the 47th and 50th minute sealed their victory. In the second semi-final, Awendo Academy came from behind to beat St. Peter’s Wagai 3-1. Geffrey Junga opened the scoring for St. Peter’s Wagai in the 10th minute before Steve Ochieng equalized six minutes later with a bolt from outside the box making the score line to be 1-1 at the break. In the second half, Awendo Academy came in firing in style scoring two more goals courtesy of Syphas Owuor and Austin Onyango. Obunga FC faced Awendo Academy in the boys’ regional finals for a ticket to represent the Nyanza region in the national championship and a chance to win Kshs 250, 000.
In the girls’ category, the reigning regional champions and Chapa Dimba’s inaugural winners, Plateau Queens, popularly known as Nyakach Girls, knocked out Kisii Queens 2-1. Swaumu Nanjala opened the scoring for Plateau Queens just minutes before the break. Kisii Queens started the second half brightly and their efforts were rewarded when Christine Osebe scored directly from a freekick to level the scores at 1-1. With the game seemingly headed to penalties a handball in the Kisii Queens box was punished with a spot kick sweetly converted by the red-hot Nanjala. In the second girls semi final, Victoria Sports Academy booked their spot in the final after defeating Ageng’a 1-0, with Seline Achieng scoring the only goal. Plateau Queens faced Victoria Sports Academy in the girls’ regional finals for a ticket to represent the Nyanza region in the national championship and a chance to win Kshs 250, 000.
In the boys’ category finals, which brought together Obunga FC and Awendo Academy, Obunga FC was crowned the new regional champions after emerging 2-1 victorious over Awendo Academy from Migori in a hotly contested match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu. Obunga FC took the lead in the 45th minute through a penalty scored by Tyson Muluri after Duncan Omalla had been fouled in the box. Two minutes later, Clain Masaba made it 2-nil, Elvis Odhiambo scored Awendo’s consolation goal in the 92nd minute.
In the girls’ category, Plateau Queens claimed their second regional Chapa Dimba na Safaricom title by defeating Victoria Sports Academy 4-3 on penalties after the game had ended 1-1 in regular time. Plateau Queens were the first to break the deadlock through midfielder Velma Atieno in the 12th minute. In the 24th minute, Sheila Awuor equalized for her team, resulting in a 1-1 draw at the end of normal time and leading to the penalty shootout.
Nyanza region champions Obunga FC and Plateau Queens have each pocketed KES. 250,000 and will represent the Western region in the National finals slated for early next year. The runners-up Awendo Academy and Victoria Sports Academy, both pocketed KES. 150,000 each.