Naema Celestine 
| Lennick Wanyonyi |
The ‘Mighty’ Obunga FC, led by Evans Oketch, easily sailed to the semis by defeating Lysa FC from central 3-1 in the first boys’ quarterfinal held at Mamboleo Stadium.
Rodgers Omondi opened the scoring in the 6th minute, putting his team ahead. John Lokalia equalized for Lysa FC in the 23rd minute. Just before halftime, Bill Clinton scored for Obunga FC making it 2-1. Obunga FC further intensified their attack in the second half, with Collins Otieno netting the third goal four minutes after halftime, to seal the score at 3-/
In another semi-final played at Momboleo Stadium, Brenda Girls from Bungoma dominated the game to edge out Kitui’s Syomunyu Secondary 4-2 in the girls’ category.
Caroline Otenyo and Jael Awino scored a goal each with Joina Namukuru scoring a brace for Brenda Girls. Syomunyu’s goals were scored by Molvin Awuor and Mathar Wambua.
In the second boys’ quarterfinals, Ebwali Boys overwhelmed Chuka University Scorpios, winning 2-1 to secure their spot in the semifinals. The Scorpios struck first with a goal in the 10th minute, scored by Enock Runi after a melee in the keeper’s box.
Ebwali Boys created numerous chances and dominated proceedings. Their efforts were rewarded in first-half injury time when Austine Odongo converted a penalty to equalize. Four minutes after the restart, captain Derrick Oketch led from the front, scoring the goal that proved to be the winner.
In the second girls’ quarters played at Moi Stadium, the Rift Valley giants Wiyeta Girls from Trans Nzoia, pipped Dagoretti Mixed Girls from Nairobi 1-0. The Clash of Titans was a nervy arm wrestle that sprung to life in the last 25 minutes. Wiyeta’s Dorine Wandera was sent off in the 67th minute, Dagoretti Mixed (Girls)’ Sheila Serphine had her shot saved in the 80th minute after a one-on-one situation, and four minutes later Wiyeta’s Charity Nekesa scored the winning goal after a delightful cross by Edna Wanda.
In the other quarterfinals, Nyanza’s reigning champions and season one national champions, Plateau Queens, secured a 2-0 victory over Changamwe Ladies. Meanwhile, Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia cruised to a dominant 18-0 win against Wajir Queens in a one-sided encounter.
PASC Langa FC from Uasin Gishu made a strong comeback in the boys quarterfinals, winning 4-1 against Dandora’s Young Kings after bouncing back from a 1-0 deficit. Bandari Youth FC also defeated Wajir All Stars 6-1 to secure their spot in the semifinals.
The girls’ semifinals will be played tomorrow, Friday, where Brenda Girls will meet Wiyeta Girls as Plateau Queens alias Nyakach Girls square it out with Barcelona Ladies SC.
The boys’ semifinal showdown will go down on Saturday at Mamboleo stadium, where Obunga FC will battle it out with Bandari Youth FC, while Ebwali Boys FC will clash against PASC Langa FC.
The winners of all the semifinals will directly proceed to the finals which will be played on Sunday at Mamboleo Stadium.
The winners (boys’ and girls’ teams) will take home KES. 1M and TVET Scholarships. The 1st runners-up teams will also take home KES. 500,000 each with the 2nd runners-up taking KES.250,000. Outstanding players (The Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls) will each receive KES. 50,000. In addition to the prize money each player, both winners and runners-up will also get Neon Smartphones, the first locally assembled 4G Smartphones in Kenya.
