By GPC Sports Desk
Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers booked their place in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Final after edging regional and national defending champions Obunga FC 1-0 in a thrilling semi-final at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Saturday.
Nelson Warambo scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute to send the students of Wagai Mixed Secondary School into their first regional final and end Obunga’s hopes of defending their title.
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“Beating the defending champions is not easy. We stuck to our game plan, and we are happy that, for the first time, we have made it to the final. We know it won’t be an easy game, but we are determined to lift this trophy and take it back to Siaya,” said Indomitable Soldiers head coach Nicholas Owende.
The Siaya side will face Migori’s Awendo Football Academy in Sunday’s boys’ final.
Awendo secured a place in the regional final for the second consecutive year after edging Kendu Muslim 1-0 in the opening semi-final. Kevin Mukaramoja scored the winner after connecting with a cross from Shaban Quimba.
In the girls’ category, two-time regional and national champions Plateau Queens will face Homa Bay’s Hedso Queens in the final as they chase a third regional title.
Plateau Queens produced the biggest result of the semi-finals, thrashing Nyamira’s Masosa Starlets 8-0. Emily Adhiambo scored a hat-trick, while Beryl Awuor netted twice. Melda Akinyi, Joan Agola and Elizabeth Alpine added a goal apiece.
Hedso Queens, meanwhile, defeated Kisii’s Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0 to reach the final. Khadija Furaha scored twice, with Michele Achieng and Saumu Chizi completing the rout.
The rewards
The boys’ and girls’ winners will each pocket Ksh.250,000 and qualify for the National Finals, while the runners-up will receive Ksh.150,000, alongside other prizes.
Individual honours will also be contested, with the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both categories each receiving Ksh.30,000. The Most Valuable Player, who will be awarded the Golden Ball, will also receive Ksh.30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
Off the pitch, Safaricom conducted coaches’ and players’ clinics at the stadium, covering football and broader issues including mental health, data privacy and personal branding.
Sunday’s finals will be preceded by an exhibition match between Safaricom staff and Kisumu-based media, with Ksh.40,000 at stake for the winners.
