By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Global Connections produced a master class performance to lift the men’s title during Engoko Champions Cup in Kitutu Masaba constituency Nyamira County.
Global Connections edged Nyaguku FC 3-1 in a thrilling final played at St Paul’s Gekano High School.
The Rigoma-based team produced fireworks in the opening minutes but failed to break the deadlock against inspired Nyaguku FC, which looked like the potential threat and possible winner, having missed a host of chances as the game advanced.
It took the individual brilliance of Kelvin Mose to break the stubborn defense of Nyaguku with five minutes to half-time, effectively triggering the resuscitation of Global’s attacking prowess.
However, Nyaguku’s fightback was inevitable in the second half, with their efforts rewarded abundantly after Lewis Nyarang’o pulled the equaliser. The situation changed from good to worse for the boys from Magombo after conceding the second goal, slotted in comfortably by Japheth Nyabicha, arguably, man of the match.
Nyabicha completed routine victory for Global Connections by converting the third goal 10 minutes into regular time, earning the team a convincing victory and deservedly so. The men’s finals were preceded by female encounter involving Tombe Riverplates and their archrivals Lowland Junior FC.
The two teams played a goalless draw in the first half. However, Lowland fortunes were activated early in the second half of the game after Caroline Bosibori’s effort was deflected into the bottom corner.
Minutes later, Valentine Bosibori sealed the all-important victory for the Lowland Junior after a thunderous effort from 18 yards. The inaugural competition dubbed Engoko Champions Cup is fully sponsored by Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo.
“This is just the beginning, we are going to have this competition annually from every 1st of December,” Gisairo said, adding, “We want to nurture these talents so that they can showcase their potential on a higher level.”
Some of the guests who attended the fully parked St. Paul’s Gekano High School games include Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango) and Irene Mayaka (nominated).
Others included Nyambega Gisesa (Rigoma), Kenneth Atuti (Gesima), James Mating’a (Kemera), Samuel Ogeto (Manga), Minda Riechi (Magombo), Lydiah Mosiere (nominated) and Prisillah Nyatichi (nominated).
“Sports unite us, and I thank you, Clive, for organizing such a wonderful tournament. This not only helps us to explore talents but also enables us to prevent crimes by making our busy,” said Nyamoko, the chief guest of the Kitutu Masaba soccer extravaganza.
Winners from both categories took home Kshs150,000 each, a personal donation of Mr. Gisairo with an additional Kshs20,000 from Equity Bank. The 1st Runners-up took Kshs100,000 each with an additional Kshs10,000 from Equity while the bronze winners pocketed Kshs50,000 and Kshs10,000 each from Equity Bank.
The fourth-place teams took home Ksh25,000 and Kshs10,000 from the MP. All the finalists received extra uniforms from the MP in addition to what the teams that qualified for the Round of 32 received. The 83 teams that participated in the tournament received a soccer ball each.
For one to qualify to play in subsequent editions, Gisairo said the team must register with the constituency team by giving an updated list of players regularly.
ENDS
