Rampant Gor Mahia Youth storm into Chapa Dimba final

Gor Mahia Youth are through to the Chapa Dimba national final after overcoming Mukumu 3-1 in a feisty semi-final match played under a charged atmosphere at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Saturday afternoon.

Otieno Sakaja put K’Ogalo ahead in the 23rd minute before  Mukumu Boys pulled one back for Mukumu in the 49^th minute through Kasambeli Leonard but K’Ogalo restored their lead in the 62nd minute through Kamau Peter.

Dominant Gor were not done yet, hitting the last nail in the coffin late, late in the game through Tony Kegodi in a match the winners were reduced to a man less.

Gor coach Tom Ogweno said he was pleased with the victory terming the game tough. Gor have also been left depleted after suffering three injuries ahead of tomorrow’s final.

Goalkeeper Caleb Omondi, Omondi Geoffrey and Onyango Alpha suffered injuries during the second half, complicating the situation for head coach Tom Ogweno.

“I know that the game has been tough but we had already analysed our opponents and for that matter. It’s not over but becoming rather tougher since I have a red card and three injuries. I know I have a hard task to organise my team for tomorrow’s final,” Ogweno told the Citizen Digital after the match.

Kapenguria Heroes from West Pokot also qualified for finals after putting up a stunning game against Ombek Red Devils from Nyanza scoring 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a two-all- draw in regulation time.

Ombek lost a penalty in the 20th minute denying them the golden chance to take an early lead.

“This win is a great opportunity for us and honestly it has not been very easy. The game was tough as our opponents kept equalizing each minute we scored. We still have a tough match tomorrow but remain hopeful to win,” said Kapenguria Heroes goalie Brian Lumumba

Gor Mahia will, therefore, face Kapenguria Heroes in the grand finale tomorrow. The game is expected to be a do or die match as the two teams fight for the National glory.

Earlier in the girls’ category, Plateau Queens and Tar Tar girls also qualified for the grand finale after beating their opponents Limuru Starlets from Central 6-0 and Arch Bishop Njenga from Western 2-0 respectively in the girls’ semifinals held yesterday.

The boys and girls teams that qualified in semifinals pocketed Sh 500,000 cash reward each and will tomorrow, in the grand finale, battle it out for Sh1million prize money as well as an opportunity to go to London for a one-week training camp and mentorship program in April.

Safaricom has invested Sh 100 million towards the program, which includes Sh10 million worth of prizes, as well as funds for the renovation of select community pitches through a legacy programme.