Plateau Queens, the champions of the Nyanza region, stormed into the national finals with an impressive 5-1 victory over Brenda Girls from Bungoma County in the Girls’ semifinals held on Friday at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu County.
Starting strong, Plateau Queens, affectionately known as Nyakach Girls, took the lead early on with Sheryl Awuor finding the net in the 6th minute. Emilly Moranga extended their lead in the 16th minute, followed by Swaumu Masungo making it 3-0 just a minute later.
Moranga secured her brace and Plateau’s fourth goal five minutes before halftime. Despite Esther Mukhwana pulling one back for Brenda Girls in the 49th minute, super-sub Vivian Akinyi sealed the victory with Plateau’s fifth goal, securing their spot in the finals and keeping their hopes alive for a second national title.
“We are thrilled to reach the finals after a tough match against the Western regional champions, Brenda Girls. They posed a physical challenge, but we managed to break through their defense. As former champions, we are determined to clinch the trophy for the second time,” said Chrispine Odindo, the Head Coach of Plateau Queens.
In another intense semifinal, Laikipia’s Barcelona Ladies SC rallied from a goal down to defeat Rift Valley defending champions, Wiyeta Girls, 2-1.
After a goalless first half, Edna Wanda put Wiyeta Girls ahead in the 46th minute, but Eunice Nabwoba’s impactful substitution saw Naomi Masinde equalizing for Wiyeta in the 52nd minute. However, Joseph Wafula’s charges were caught off guard, allowing Calta Nassambu to score the winning goal for Barcelona Ladies in the 63rd minute, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Plateau Queens had advanced to the semifinals after a 2-0 win over Changamwe Ladies from Mombasa, while Barcelona Ladies SC secured their spot with a dominant 18-0 victory over Wajir Queens.
The stage is set for an epic showdown between Plateau Queens and Barcelona Ladies SC, vying for the KES 1 million prize, TVET scholarships, and national glory on Sunday at Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo Stadium.
In tomorrow’s boys’ semifinals, Ebwali Boys from the Western region will clash with Rift Valley’s PASC Langa, while the home team Obunga FC representing the Nyanza region will face Mombasa’s Bandari Youth.
