Lugari Progressive, popularly known as Archbishop Njenga Girls, have retained the Kakamega County Safaricom Chapa Dimba girls’ title for a record fifth consecutive time after defeating rivals Red Commandos, also known as Butere Girls, 3-0 on penalties.
The final, played on Sunday at the Approved School Grounds in Kakamega, ended goalless in regulation time, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to break the deadlock. Red Commandos came closest when an effort struck the crossbar late in the game, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
Lugari Progressive held their nerve from the spot, with goalkeeper Shamsi Pachanga emerging as the hero after saving two penalties, while another Red Commandos attempt went wide.
“Retaining the county title for the fifth time in a row is not easy. Butere Girls were really tough, and I will personally admit they gave us a run for our money,” said Lugari Progressive head coach Fred Serenge. “Going to penalties is something I did not expect, but I always trust my goalkeeper, and she made us proud by saving two penalties.”
In the boys’ final, Green Buffaloes of Khwisero claimed their maiden Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County title after defeating Holy Cross Injira Senior School 2-1.
Moses Muruka opened the scoring after finishing a well-delivered corner from Peter Mukolwe before Augustine Khakali turned the ball into his own net to give Green Buffaloes a 2-0 advantage before halftime.
Holy Cross Injira Senior School fought back in the second half, with Ransley Nasiali pulling one goal back, but Green Buffaloes held firm to secure a historic victory.
“We are really excited. It is the first time we are lifting the Safaricom Chapa Dimba County trophy,” said Green Buffaloes head coach Ian Omukuba. “Last year, we were knocked out in the round of 16, but this year we came prepared and my boys delivered.”
Earlier, Red Commandos defeated The Phoenix Mukumu 2-0 in the girls’ semi-final, while Bishop Njenga beat Bushili Queens 2-1. In the boys’ semi-finals, Green Buffaloes defeated Mumias Vipers 3-2, while Holy Cross Injira Senior School edged Shamberere 1-0.
Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes will now represent Kakamega County at the Western Regional Finals scheduled for August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, Bungoma.
Other teams that have qualified for the regional finals are Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos from Vihiga, and Terem FC and Elgon Queens from Bungoma.
The two Kakamega County champions each received Sh75,000, while runners-up Red Commandos and Holy Cross Injira Senior School each took home Sh30,000.
In the individual awards, Walles Oweingaya and Shamsi Pachanga were named the Best Goalkeepers in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively. Moses Muruka and Ziporah Wanyonyi won the Top Scorer awards, with Wanyonyi also named Girls’ MVP and Atanas Ombasa claiming the Boys’ MVP award. Each award winner received Sh10,000.
Wanyonyi and Ombasa will also receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
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