Manyatta United, Kitale Queens Win Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom National Finals

Manyatta United from Nyanza and Kitale Queens from Rift Valley are the new national champions of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Youth tournament.

Manyatta United emerged the national champions in the boys’ category after beating Rift Valley’s Al-Ahly FC 2-1. It was an entertaining game as each side displayed amazing skills with jittery fans chanting in support of their favorite teams in a fully parked Kinoru stadium.

Dennis Ayot scored an early penalty for Manyatta in the 23rd minute before Benson Ochieng netted a header in the 38th minute as 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 goal 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 Ibrahim Ochieng, attacking –midfielder, Manyatta United.

In the girls’ category, Kitale won 4-2 against Nairobi’s Acakoro Ladies in a post-match penalty shootout to be crowned national champions after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Sylvia Makhungu gave Acakoro an early lead in the 15th minute before Agneta Marondo equalized in the 22nd minute to end the first half 1-1. The Second half saw Rachel Adhiambo score through a set piece in the 68th minute only for Kitale Queens to respond almost immediately with an equalizer in the 71st minute, courtesy of Daisy Busia as the match ended 2-2

“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 Sylvia Makhungu, striker, Acakoro Ladies.

Manyatta United and Kitale Queens each bagged the coveted prize of KES 1M among other individual 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.

SCORERS

Manyatta United 2-1 Al-Ahly

Mark Ochieng’ - 23rd minute

Benson Ochieng’ – 38th minute

Kitale Queens 2-2 Acakoro Ladies

Agneta Marondo -22nd Minute

Daisy Busia – 71st Minute

Acakoro Ladies

Sylvia Makhungu – 15th Minute

Rachel Adhiambo – 68th minute

AWARDS

MVPs