Kitale Queens and Manyatta United were crowned champions of the second edition of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom football Youth tournament during the national finals held today at Kinoru stadium in Meru.
Representing Rift Valley, Kitale Queens from Kitale in Trans Nzoia County had to wait until post match penalties to edge out Nairobi’s Acakoro Ladies 4-2 following a two all draw in regulations time.
Sylvia Makhungu was on target first for Acakoro in the 15th minute but Agneta Marondo converted a penalty to level the score seven minutes later as they ended the first half 1-1.
Rachel Adhiambo provided the second goal to give Acakoro the lead in the 68th minute only for Kitale Queens to respond immediately with an equalizer in the 71st minute courtesy of Daisy Busia to force the match to end in spot kicks.
“This is a dream come true for us. The game was not easy at all but we made it. We are supper excited to be crowned season two’s national champions of the tournament and take home the KES 1M. We are happy,” said Cynthia Libondo, Captain, Kitale Queens.
In the boys’ category, Nyanza’s Manyatta United emerged the national champions with a 2-1 win against Rift Valley’s Al-Ahly FC.
Dennis Ayot converted a penalty for Manyatta with just 23 minutes into the match as Benson Ochieng netted a header in the 38th minute and the first half ended 2-0. Al-Ahly FC came back into the second half, controlling the game and scored a penalty in the 60th minute but it proved to be only a consolation as the match ended at 2-1 in favour of Manyatta United.
“It is a good feeling to win against such a tough opponent. We have fought hard and we have come a long away. Today is a big day for us and we are so happy. Our win today makes us proud because we are taking home the glory and KES 1M that will go a long way in helping the academy. This is a big thing for us,” said Nicholas Munangwe, Goal keeper, Manyatta United.
Manyatta United and Kitale Queens each bagged the coveted prize of KES 1M among other individualized prizes. The losing finalists, Acakoro Ladies and Al-Ahly FC pocketed KES 500,000 cash reward and silver medals each.
This edition saw 32 boys and girls scouted from across all regions during the eight regional finals to form The Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom All-Stars who attended a ten days training camp in Spain early last month.