Favourites Obunga FC and Nyakach Girls are the Nyanza region Safaricom Chapa Dimba champions.
Obunga, under by upcoming coach Amos Ochieng, edged Awendo Academy from Migori in Kisumu on Sunday to win the title while Nyakach Girls, popularly known as Plateau Queens, beat Victoria Sports Academy (VSA) 4-3 on post-match penalties.
The finals were played before a capacity crowd at Moi Stadium in Kisumu. The teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after regular time.
Obunga FC took the lead in the 45th minute from the spot courtesy of Tyson Muluri after Duncan Omalla had been fouled in the box.
Two minutes later, Clain Masaba made it 2-0 after scoring a thunderbolt from outside the box. Elvis Odhiambo scored Awendo’s consolation goal in the 92nd minute.
“We are delighted to be the new regional Chapa Dimba champions. It wasn't an easy game considering that Awendo Academy is a formidable team," said Ochieng.
"There were high expectations from our fans, but I am thrilled that my boys have lived up to those expectations, especially given that this is our first time in the Chapa Dimba tournament, and we've managed to clinch the regional trophy."
"I would like to express my gratitude to Safaricom for their pivotal role in nurturing and showcasing football talents," he added.
“Despite the win, our journey is far from over as our focus now shifts towards preparing for the national championship."
In the girls’ category, Velma Adhiambo gave Plateau Queens the lead in the 13th minute but Sheila Awuor equalised for VSA to send the game into a dramatic penalty shootout.
The winners, both boys and girls, took home Sh250,000 and earned slots to represent Nyanza at the national finals set for February next year in Nairobi. The runners-up teams will receive Sh150,000 each.
Obunga FC and Plateau Queens had qualified for the regional final after beating Nyaguku FC from Nyamira, 4-0 and Kisii Queens 2-1, respectively.
Awendo Academy and Victoria Sports Academy had booked their tickets after defeating St. Peter’s Wagai 3-1 and Ageng’a Girls 1-0 respectively in the semi-finals played on Saturday.
A total of 530 teams, including 412 boys’ teams and 118 girls’ teams participated in the tournament from the ward level, targeting players aged between 16 and 20 years old. Chapa Dimba now heads to Eastern region.