Gor Mahia Youth storm ‘Chapa Dimba’ tournament final

Gor Mahia Youth on Saturday beat Mukumu Boys Secondary School 3-1 in the semi-finals to reach the final of Chapa Dimba na Safaricom football tournament at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County.

Gor Mahia Youth, from Nairobi region, scored via Selasie Otieno in the 23rd minute, Peter Kamau (51st minute) and Tony Kegode (93rd).

Mukumu from Western Region scored their solitary goal through Leonard Kasembeli in the 49th minute. Gor, who displayed a skilful game, grabbed the lead after Mathew Mwendwa put though Otieno to hit the back of the net for the opener.   

Mukumu came close to scoring in the 26th minute when Reagan Mandela’s shot on the edge of the box was punched over the bar by custodian Caleb Omondi.

The Nairobi based outfit stuck on the lead up to half time. On resumption, Mukumu stepped up their attack that saw Kasembeli level matters four minutes later.

Their joy was short-lived as Gor managed to regain their lead on 51 minutes after Kamau beat defender Peter Odera to the ball, then hit the roof of the net past hapless Mukumu custodian Maxwell Mulili. Gor were reduced to 10 men after Dickson Omwenga was sent off for a second bookable offence with five minutes remaining.

Gor Mahia Youth coach Tom Ogweno said: "The boys played well. I'm confident we shall lift the title.”

Mukumu tactician Patrick Fundia expressed his disappointment after failing to make it to the finals.

“My attackers created many scoring opportunities in both halves but they were unlucky,” he said.   

In the boy’s second semi final match, Kapenguria Heroes from Rift Valley defeated Ombegi Red Devils from Nyanza 5-3 on post match penalties after the two teams tied 2-2 in regulation time.

Kapenguria Heroes will therefore clash with Gor Mahia Youth from Nairobi in the finals on Sunday at Bukhungu stadium starting from 1 pm.

In the Girl’s category, Tartar from Rift Valley will battle with Plateau Queens from Nyanza in the finals starting from 9 am. Tartar defeated Bishop Njenga from Western 2-0 in the first semifinal, while Plateau upstaged Limuru Starlets from Central 6-0 in the second last four match on Friday.