Ebwali, Brenda emerge Safaricom Chapa Dimba 2023 Western Region Champions

Ebwali Boys from Vihiga and Brenda Girls from Bungoma have been crowned the 2023 champions of the prestigious Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western region.

In the thrilling regional finals at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Ebwali beat Bungoma’s Compel Sportif 1-0, with Austin Odongo heading the sole winning goal in the 47th minute.

Goalkeeper Nelson Angayia smashed Titus Gambo’s attempt to find the back of the net via a penalty in the 58th minute, with another Compel attempt in the later minutes of the second half only finding the post.

“I have been a goalkeeper since class 4. I am glad my efforts since the county level have ensured that my team makes it to the Chapa Dimba national finals. I have struggled so much in life, and football is my way to make it in life,” said Angayia.

In the girl’s final, Brenda Girls beat the regional defending champions Lugari Progressive of Kakamega 2-1 to secure an unassailable victory.

Esther Wafula scored the first goal for Brenda Girls’ in the 15th minute but was followed by Lugari captain Marion Musanga’s equaliser for Lugari Progressive in the 75th-minute.

But a blunder by the Lugari goalkeeper saw the unforgiving Esther Mukhwana fire the winning goal six minutes before the final whistle securing a clean victory for Brenda Girls.

By becoming the Western region champions, Ebwali Boys and Brenda Girls’ each bagged Sh250,000 and will represent the region in the National finals scheduled for early 2024.

The runners-up, Compel Sportif and Lugari Progressive, each took home Sh150,000.

In this year’s Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, Western Kenya registered 441 teams with Kakamega leading at 162, followed by Bungoma 152, Busia 64, and Vihiga 63 teams.

The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament now heads to Nyanza next with the county finals scheduled to kick off next weekend in Siaya and Kisii counties.