The Semi-finals for Central Region of the ongoing Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom youth tournament took place on Saturday at Thika Technical Training Grounds.
Eight teams took part in the tournament, which aims at scouting for talent, developing grassroots football, and ultimately propelling gifted players to the national team.
The Central region boys' final on will be a tough one with Lufa from Laikipia facing Euronuts from Kiambu, as both teams will be seeking the regional supremacy title.
Euronuts qualified for the boys' finals through a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw in regulation time against Juja United from Thika.
Lufa also qualified after scoring 4:0 goals against Intercity from Kirinyaga. The penalty shoot-out ended 4:3 with David Wainaina of Euronuts saving the last penalty against John Lokohang of Juja United to send the team into Sunday’s final.
In the girls' category, Limuru Starlets from Kiambu and Rwambiti from Kirinyaga will face each other in the finals after winning their semifinal matches.
Limuru Starlets scored 3:2 against Good Girls from Thika as Rwambiti won 3:2 against Express from Laikipia County in a post-match penalty shootout after a 1:1 draw in regulation time.
This follows a series of games played across the entire Central Region where over 280 games were played with 212 teams taking part in the matches that kicked off with group stages on 13 January 2018 in Aberdares.
“This win is a big motivation for my team since this is the biggest tournament we have played. It means a lot to us bearing in mind the challenges faced by female players. We are confident to carry the day tomorrow against Rwambiti,” said James Kairu, Limuru Starlets coach.
The winning teams from Sunday’s finals will each receive a cash reward of Sh200,000 and will proceed to the National finals set for the 24th and 25th of this month.
The losing finalists will also receive a cash reward of Sh100,000 each.