Chuka University Scorpions from Tharaka Nithi and Syomunyu Secondary School from Kitui were crowned the champions of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Eastern Region held yesterday at the Kinoru Stadium.
The Scorpions stunned The Predators from Embu County with a 4-2 victory in penalty shootouts to win the boys’ title in a hotly contested final.
The Scorpions took the lead in the 9th minute through Joseph John’s superb strike before Josphat Kimanzi scored the equalizing goal in the 52nd minute, leading to penalty shootouts.
“We are thrilled to emerge as the winners of the Chapa Dimba Eastern regional finals. This is our first time participating in the Chapa Dimba tournament, and winning it is something we take great pride in. The game was challenging; we did not anticipate going to penalties, but once again, we performed well in the penalty shootout, having also qualified in yesterday’s semifinals through penalties.” said Sean Opwora, Head Coach Chuka University Scorpions
In the girls’ Syomunyu Secondary School silenced Chuka University Starlets with a 1-0 thriller to claim the regional title.
Carol Wakesho scored the only goal in the 36th minute in what would later seal the win for the Kitui’s side. Chuka Starlets’ efforts to equalize failed to materialize after Weddy Ndereba’s shots hit the crossbar twice. Interestingly, this is the second time Chuka Starlets are reaching the finals and failing to clinch it.
Both the Scorpions and Syomunyu Secondary will represent the Eastern region in the National finals slated for early next year.
They join Ebwali FC and Brenda Girls from Western and Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls and PASC Langa and Wiyeta Girls from Rift Valley, who have already qualified for the next year’s national finals.