Football

Githurai All Stars crowned Sakaja Super Cup champions

Githurai All Stars crowned winners of the inaugural edition of the Sakaja Super Cup concluded on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 (Photo: Johnston Sakaja/Twitter)

By Tula Oliktiga | Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Dignitaries present during the match included Governor cum sponsor Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Makadara MP George Aladwa, Dagoreti North Beatrice Elachi, Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk, Nairobi Speaker Ken Ng'ondi, among others.

The inaugural edition of the Sakaja Super Cup concluded on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with Githurai All Stars (GAS) emerging as champions after defeating Kawasaki 6-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The final, held at the Police Stadium in South C, Nairobi, marked the culmination of a tournament that began with 350 teams in September.

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The match started cautiously, with neither team taking control. Most of the action was concentrated in the midfield. However, Kawasaki's defence remained vigilant and intercepted passes effectively, leaving no space for Githurai to exploit.

Githurai's Kevin Njuguna attempted to drop back and collect the ball from the defenders, aiming to initiate attacking moves with long passes to his wingers positioned out wide. However, the Kawasaki defence remained vigilant and intercepted these passes effectively, leaving no space for Githurai to exploit.

And the winner is!!!!
GITHURAI ALL STARS ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Congrats. Hongera!!

Sakaja Super Cup Impreza 💪 💪 pic.twitter.com/gnNC1EhuJc

— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) December 19, 2023

The second half of the match witnessed a significant change in momentum. Hailing from South B, Kawasaki immediately applied pressure on the Githurai All-Stars from the beginning. They employed quick, first-touch passes in the midfield, putting pressure on the Githurai All-Stars' defence.

Gift Mumo's excellent coordination with William Owade and Sedryne created a few promising half-chances for Kawasaki, but the Githurai defense handled them comfortably. On the other hand, Githurai focused on utilising the width of the field, with their speedy wingers playing a pivotal role in their attacks.

They aimed to swiftly transition from their defensive third, with midfielder Kevin Njuguna as the catalyst for their attacking moves. Winger Patrick Lugo and team captain Teddy Ouko posed the greatest threat, making well-timed runs behind the defense to connect with Njuguna's long aerial passes or exploit pockets of space.

As the match progressed, it grew more intense, with both teams creating opportunities and the game balance hanging in the balance. The tactical battle between the two sides, characterised by Kawasaki's pressure and Githurai's wide-focused approach, made for an exhilarating contest. In the end, GAS won the title in a thrilling penalty shootout by 6-4 over Kawasaki.

Dignitaries present during the match included Governor cum sponsor Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Makadara MP George Aladwa, Dagoreti North Beatrice Elachi, Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk, Nairobi Speaker Ken Ng'ondi, among others.