In a gripping semi-final showdown, M-PESA Foundation Academy clinched a spot in the regional finals of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament with a solid 2-0 victory over Kiaga Secondary from Kirinyaga County.
The match, which took place at Wang’uru Stadium, saw the Academy’s players Victor Mwongera and Emmanuel Mangera find the back of the net in the 61st and 80th minutes, respectively.
The win sets up a final clash with Lysa FC, who secured their own place in the finals after a tense penalty shootout victory over Karatina Homeboyz from Nyeri, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.
The boys’ final, scheduled for Sunday, promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams vie for the regional title and the chance to represent the Central region in the national finals set for April.
The winners will not only claim the regional crown but also take home a prize of KES. 250,000, while the runners-up will receive KES. 150,000.
In addition to the team prizes, individual accolades and rewards await the standout players of the tournament, with the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player set to receive KES. 30,000 each.
Moreover, all players from the winning and runner-up teams will be awarded Neon Smartphones, marking a significant milestone as the first locally assembled 4G smartphones in Kenya. This adds an extra layer of excitement and incentive for the young athletes as they prepare for the final day of competition.