Kamukunji Peace Tournament ends with Shauri Moyo teams clinching victory

The 2024 Kamukunji Peace Tournament concluded on Saturday with Shaurimoyo teams emerging victorious at the newly renovated Kamukunji Grounds.

The women’s final, held in the morning, saw Shauri Moyo All Stars face Majengo All Stars with the latter emerging victorious on post-match penalties after a barren draw.

Shauri Moyo United supporters celebrate after their team emerged victorious at Kamukinji. (Ahmed Shafat)

The game remained tightly contested throughout, with missed opportunities preventing a breakthrough. After a goalless draw, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, with Shauri Moyo All Stars emerging victorious, winning 5-4 to secure the women’s title.

In the men’s final, defending champions Wenyeji United took on Shauri Moyo United in a much-anticipated derby. Shauri Moyo managed to dethrone Wenyeji, winning by a solitary goal.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, who is the sponsor of the tournament, attended the match. Hundreds of fans from both teams were present while hawkers around the field sold water, snacks, and vuvuzelas to the energetic crowd.

Shauri Moyo United player dribbles past a Wenyeji United opponent at the Kamukunji Peace Cup final on Saturday. (Ahmed Shafat)

The men’s match started cautiously, with both teams focusing on gauging each other’s strengths, resulting in midfield-dominated play and limited goal-scoring opportunities. In the second half, the teams returned with renewed determination. Wenyeji United came close in the 57th minute with a free-kick attempt, but Shauri Moyo’s goalkeeper kept the ball out.

Shauri Moyo United found their winning moment in the 70th minute when Wenyeji failed to clear a corner kick, allowing Shauri Moyo to score the only goal of the match.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan commends the strong turnout at Saturday’s Kamukunji Peace Cup finals, pledging to host more tournaments at the newly refurbished Kamukunji Grounds.

He added that the tournament aims to create opportunities for youth to engage in positive activities… pic.twitter.com/uh6fZGPIOF

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) November 2, 2024

Fans rushed onto the field in celebration. Despite Wenyeji United's efforts to equalise, Shauri Moyo United held firm, ending the game 1-0 and claiming their first Kamukunji Peace Cup title.

At the final whistle, Shauri Moyo United’s fans celebrated with songs and dances, attributing their win to teamwork and hard work, with many expressing gratitude through prayers.

Following the games, the winners and runners-up received trophies in a ceremony presided over by Senator Sifuna and MP Yusuf.

Some of the fans at the tournament. (Ahmed Shafat)

Senator Sifuna announced additional rewards of Sh50,000 for the champions and Sh25,000 for the runners-up in both the men’s and women’s finals. He expressed admiration for the talent on display, hoping that some players might progress to the national team, Harambee Stars, with continued dedication.

“You can see there’s a lot of talent here, and the turnout alone shows the community’s interest in supporting football,” said Senator Sifuna.

MP Yusuf praised the turnout and promised more tournaments at the Kamukunji Grounds. He noted that the tournament aimed to provide opportunities for young people to engage in positive activities through sports.

“This tournament was initiated to give our youth the chance to play, compete, and nurture the great game of football within our constituency,” he said.

Some of the trophies awarded to the winners of the 2024 Kamukunji Peace Tournament. (Ahmed Shafat)

Denis Maina, head coach of Shauri Moyo United, attributed the team’s success to hard work and dedication. He noted that the tournament had offered a constructive outlet for players, keeping them active and away from negative influences.

“It’s been a long tournament, and we’re thrilled to have won for the first time. Such tournaments keep our players engaged and away from crime,”  he said.

Shauri Moyo All Stars’ captain, Hilda Anyango, expressed pride in winning her first tournament and looked forward to more competitions, aiming to build on this experience.