Githurai All Stars and Kawasaki Sports Set for Thrilling Sakaja Super Cup Finale
The stage is set for an epic showdown as defending champions Githurai All Stars (GAS) face 2023 finalists Kawasaki Sports in the highly anticipated Sakaja Super Cup grand finale on Friday, December 20, 2024. With electrifying performances in the regional finals, both teams have earned their place in what promises to be a high-stakes battle for football supremacy at the Dandora Stadium.
Githurai All Stars’ Dramatic Journey to the Final
The Nairobi East regional finals delivered non-stop drama, with Githurai All Stars narrowly edging out Shauri Moyo United in a pulsating 3-2 victory. The atmosphere at the packed Dandora Stadium was electric, setting the tone for a gripping contest.
The action kicked off with Githurai captain Kevin Njuguna converting a fourth-minute penalty, giving the defending champions an early lead. However, Shauri Moyo’s Abednego Wawire equalized in the 16th minute with a stunning strike, silencing the home fans.
Githurai’s Nganga Edwin restored their lead in the 30th minute, but Wawire struck again just before halftime, leveling the game at 2-2 with his second goal of the match. The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when Nganga completed his brace, slotting home from close range to secure a hard-fought victory and Githurai’s ticket to the grand finale.
Kawasaki Sports Triumph in Nairobi West
In the Nairobi West regional finals, Kawasaki Sports booked their place in the Sakaja Super Cup final for the second consecutive year with a 1-0 win over South C Rangers. Ali “Aguero” Maleche was the hero, netting the decisive goal in a tightly contested match.
Earlier in the day, Kawasaki overcame Asec Huruma in a dramatic penalty shootout, prevailing 4-3 after their disrupted quarterfinal clash was resumed. The team’s resilience and determination have been key to their success, and they now look to dethrone Githurai All Stars in the grand finale.
Women’s Sakaja Super Cup Final: South C Queens vs. Shrink Pack Ladies FC
The 2024 Sakaja Super Cup ladies’ chapter has also delivered exciting football, with South C Queens set to take on Shrink Pack Ladies FC in the final. Both teams have shown exceptional quality and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an intense battle.
South C Queens showcased their dominance in the Nairobi West regional finals, defeating Nairobi Starlets 3-1. Maureen Omekede opened the scoring in the first minute, but Mercy Baraza equalized for the Starlets just three minutes later. Omekede struck again in the 24th minute, and Margaret Omweri sealed the win with a clinical finish in the 32nd.
In the Nairobi East regional finals, Shrink Pack Ladies FC edged past Soweto Starlets in a thrilling 2-1 victory. Sylvia Apondi gave Soweto the lead in the 45th minute, but Mary Kimani turned the game around for Shrink Pack with a brilliant brace in the 65th and 82nd minutes, securing their place in the grand finale.
High Stakes and Rich Rewards
The Sakaja Super Cup grand finale is more than just a football spectacle; it’s also an opportunity for financial rewards. The men’s champions will take home a top prize of KSh 3 million, with KSh 2 million and KSh 1 million awarded to the runners-up and third-place team, respectively.
In the women’s category, the champions will pocket KSh 1 million, while the runners-up and third-place finishers will receive KSh 500,000 and KSh 250,000, respectively. The lucrative prizes underscore the importance of the tournament and the stakes for the teams involved.
What to Expect in the Finals
Githurai All Stars vs. Kawasaki Sports
Githurai All Stars are no strangers to the Sakaja Super Cup finals, having triumphed in 2023. Their experience and determination will be key as they aim to defend their title. Skipper Kevin Njuguna and Nganga Edwin, both in fine form, will lead the charge for GAS.
Today’s the day! Githurai All Stars and Kawasaki face off in the SAKAJA SUPER CUP GRAND FINALE at Dandora Stadium. With Ksh 3M on the line, who will be crowned champions? Kickoff at 3:00 PM. #SakajaSuperCup2 Lazima Ichezwe pic.twitter.com/C5tNVXShz4
— Kloppo – The Normal One (@bonsoul_ke) December 20, 2024
Kawasaki Sports, on the other hand, have shown resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament. Ali Maleche’s sharp instincts in front of goal and their solid defensive organization make them formidable opponents. With revenge on their minds after last year’s loss, Kawasaki will leave no stone unturned.
South C Queens vs. Shrink Pack Ladies FC
In the women’s final, South C Queens’ clinical finishing and tactical discipline make them favorites. The trio of Maureen Omekede, Mercy Baraza, and Margaret Omweri will be pivotal as they aim to lift the trophy.
Shrink Pack Ladies FC have proven they can handle pressure, with Mary Kimani’s brace in the semifinals exemplifying their fighting spirit. Their ability to come back from deficits makes them a dangerous opponent for the Queens.
A Festival of Football in Nairobi
The Sakaja Super Cup has become a hallmark of grassroots football excellence in Nairobi, uniting communities and showcasing the immense talent in Kenyan football. This year’s tournament has been no exception, with electrifying matches, passionate fans, and memorable moments.
As the grand finale approaches, anticipation is at an all-time high. Whether it’s the men’s showdown between Githurai All Stars and Kawasaki Sports or the women’s clash between South C Queens and Shrink Pack Ladies FC, the stage is set for a day of football brilliance that will leave fans talking for years to come.
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