By Reuben Olita
Obucuun Border will meet Jobless FC in tomorrow’s finals of the Global Appeal Football Tournament at the Busia County Stadium starting 2:00pm.
Obucuun, the Western Regional League runneraway leaders achieved the historic feat after beating Masters 4-2 on post-match penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.
It was a – thriller-a-minute with Obucuun displaying fine crisp passes compared to long balls by their opponents, but that fine ball display failed to break the deadlock, thus forcing NSL referee, Henry Agona to apply post penalties rule.
Obuccun scored through Paul Orono, James Otim, Rashid Juma and Ekoto Julius. Masters netted through J. Akula and Wycliffe Muruka. Fred Onamu and Evans Omondi missed the target.
The match was watched by Chakol South Member of the County Assembly, Denzil Musumba, FKF Busia Branch chairman, Hillary Musundi, Vice chairman CPA Michael Ikolak, Secretary General, Reuben Olita and treasurer, Benard Onyango, among others.
In the second semi-final match played at the Busia County Stadium, Jobless knocked out Division Two side OPET FC 1-0 with the lone goal scored by Oscar Masiga.
Jobless from the sprawling Marachi Estate qualified for the finals after beating Division Two side, Opet in a thrilling semi-final encounter at Busia County Stadium.
OPET survived possible elimination in the quarterfinals before beating Matayos Sub Branch League side, Real Busia 5-3 on post-match penalties after a goalless draw in normal time.
Opet scored all their five penalties through Francis Okello, Mark Ekisa, Brandon Wafula, Michael Oduor and Kevin Nato. Brian Odhiambo, Stalon Otieno and Peter Otieno scored for Real Busia while David Mang’eni’s strike missed the target.
In the quarterfinals, Obucuun beat County League side, Khwilare 2-0 to secure semi-final slot. Their prolific goalscorer, Filex Adunguli netted in the 25th minute before James Otim scored the second goal in the second half.
The third quarterfinal saw Jobless hammer Young Tigers 4-0 to sail through to the semis. Oscar Masiga netted a brace in the 16th and 67th minutes with Okumu and Yassin Sije accounting for one goal each.
In the last quarterfinal encounter, Busia Masters beat Busia Fusion 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Defry Onam, Garby Emmanuel and
Evans Ebuye scored for Masters with Fusion’s consolation penalty netted by J. Sylvester.
The ladies finals starting at 11am at the Busia stadium will pit Lukolis v regional flagbearers, Chakol Queens. Lukolis beat Soccer Sisters 1-0 in the semi-final.
Chakol Queens earned a bye to the final; out of nine teams that had registered only three confirmed participation.
OPET survived possible elimination in the quarterfinals before beating Matayos Sub Branch League side, Real Busia 5-3 on post-match penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Opet scored all their five penalties through Francis Okello, Mark Ekisa, Brandon Wafula, Michael Oduor and Kevin Nato. Brian Odhiambo, Stalon Otieno and Peter Otieno scored for Real Busia while David Mang’eni’s strike missed the target.
In the quarterfinals, Obucuun beat County League side, Khwilare 2-0 to secure semi-final slot. Their prolific goalscorer, Filex Adungul netted in the 25th minute before James Otim netted the second goal in the second half.
The third quarterfinal saw Jobless hammer Young Tigers 4-0 to sail through to the semis. Oscar Masiga netted a brace in the 16th and 67th minutes with Okumu and Yassin Sije accounting for one goal each.
In the last quarterfinal encounter, Busia Masters beat Busia Fusion 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Defry Onam, Garby Emmanuel and Evans Ebuye scored for Masters with Fusion’s consolation penalty netted by Sylvester.
The male winners will receive Ksh30,000, the runners up will get Ksh15,000 with second runners up to pocket Ksh 10,000. The winners in the ladies category will get Ksh25,000 with the second and third placed teams to receive Ksh15,000 and Ksh10,000 respectively courtesy of Global Appeal Sports.
Women Representative, Catherine Omanyo said she will top up the awards with all participating teams to receive cash incentives. CEC Culture and Sports, Olung’a Paul Ekwenye said the County Government will also top up the awards.
The chairman Global Appeal Sports Yusuf Noah said the winners in the two categories will proceed to the regionals with winners from four counties of Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga and Bungoma qualifying for national finals in Nairobi for the inter-regional games. Adunguli and James Otim accounting for the goals.
