Ex-champs Kapenguria, Laiser Hill to collide in Chapa Dimba Rift final

 Gilbert Kiprotich at Kericho Green Stadium

Former Chapa Dimba na Safaricom national champions Kapenguria Heroes will face off with Laiser Hill Academy in the boys’ Rift regional final set for Sunday at the Kericho Green Stadium.

Kajiado-based Laiser edged out last year’s regional finalists Tumkas of Uasin Gishu 2-0 in the first semifinal to storm to their maiden regional final while Kapenguria had to dig deep to overcome a spirited White Rhino of Trans Mara 2-1.

Stephen Owino and Timothy Ouma’s goals in the 43rd and 48 minutes respectively were enough for Laiser to see off Tumkas and leave head coach John Mwaura optimistic ahead of Sunday’s finals.

Mwaura attributed the win to confidence and discipline displayed by his side against the Eldoret-based club while also declaring their intent to lift the national title due for June in Mombasa.

“We knew that we were new at this level and that we were coming up against a very experienced side in Tumkas but credit to my boys who showed maturity and that is what I want to see tomorrow(Sunday). We would have scored more but for me I take this win positively,” said Mwaura.

It was however the second semifinal that captured the attention of the crowd as Kapenguria fans roared their team to victory.

It was Alfred Tanui who put Kapenguria in front in the 16th minute before White Rhino’s Tyson Kapchanga equalised the scores in the 33rd minute for the teams to head for break all square.

Wesley Mutai would later grab the second goal and the winner for Kapenguria three minutes into the start of the second half.

In a post-match interview, Kapenguria head coach Elvis Mwanga said his side will be tactical when they take on Laiser in the final.

“We don’t have any pressure against Laiser because I have already developed a plan to counter them. We know how they will approach the game. They usually like building from the back but for us we will try to hurt them using long balls,” said Elvis Mwanga.

Meanwhile, in the girls final, Wiyeta Girls and Itigo will renew rivalries after the former humbled Bomet Queens 17-0 while Itigo dismantled newcomers Achievers 6-0 in their respective semifinal matches.