Last year’s COPA Coca-Cola national finalists, JMJ Academy and Kisumu Lakers collected crucial points this past weekend as they put themselves back in contention for the provincial finals.
Lakers were in fine form winning two of their three matches as they joined Bondo Combined Boys at the summit of the Nyanza North Branch league. The Isaiah Opiyo-led side had an easy time dismissing Siaya United 3-1 in the first match.
The much anticipated derby between Lakers and Kisumu United ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Bondo Combined Boys cemented their position at the top after beating Kisumu United 1-0 courtesy of a Tales Opondo strike in the 13th minute before they were held 1-1 by Muhoroni Stars.
Kisumu Queens beat Siaya Queens 2-0 thanks to Dodosi Athman’s first half brace while Doris Akoth scored the only goal in Onjiko Talents’ 1-0 win over Bondo Girls.
Nairobi’s Kibera All Sports became the first team in the county to book their slot in the provincial finals. Kibera thrashed Young Salumbe 3-0 before an Antony Munene brace and a goal from Daniel Odhiambo secured them a 3-1 win over hard fighting Mainstream Academy.JMJ were ruthless in Nairobi East Branch winning their two matches 4-0 to move to move to within a win from joining Kibera in the provincials.
A goal each from Vollar Okinyi and Rajab Abdul either side of Mark Ochieng’s brace saw them clip Mainstream 4-0 in the first clash. Ochieng’ and Abdul were on target again in the second 4-0 humbling of Young Salumbe with Biron Otieno and Edwin Okoth also netting. Victoria Sports thrashed Peliko Academy 5-0.Beijing Girls qualified for the provincials after outclassing Kibera Queens 2-0, Pauline Atieno and Anney Matinde with the goals while Vapor Girls and Kabagare drew 1-1.
AUTHOR: Paul Ojenge