Highlights: How Local Team Caused Upset In Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament

Thousands of fans were on Sunday, May 12 left disappointed as Al Azizia FC, a crowd favourite, was defeated by local rivals Ikuu Spider FC in a thrilling match during the Eastern leg of The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Football Tournament at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County.

Despite Al Azizia FC's formidable dominance throughout the game, their luck turned in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw at full time. Ikuu Spider FC emerged victorious with a 5-4 win, much to the dismay of the Al Azizia fans who had turned up to cheer on their beloved team.

In an exciting day of football that drew a large crowd to the stadium, Ikuu Spider FC clinched a 3-year, annual football sponsorship of Ksh250,000, including playing kits, with their surprise win. Coach Elijah Maore credited the team's success to regular training and readiness for competitions, along with a stroke of luck.

With aspirations to play in the National Super League, Coach Maore expressed satisfaction with the win, highlighting its significance for the community team, which, like most budding clubs, struggles to meet player obligations and match fixture requirements.

"I am grateful to the team for showing up and remaining spirited throughout the tournament. This win will go a long way in facilitating our match fixtures in future competitions," said Maore.

Ikuu Spider FC receiving sponsorship after they were crowned the Eastern Region Cheza Dimba Champions on May 12, 2024. /HANDOUT

Captain Isa Muriki welcomed the sponsorship, acknowledging that it would help raise the fortunes of the Maua-based club in Meru County. Despite their disappointment, Al Azizia FC's captain, Dennis Gikundi, expressed optimism, stating that the team would focus on improving their penalty-handling skills.

The captain Isa Muriki, welcomed the sponsorship, similarly admitting it would help raise the fortunes of the Maua-based club in Meru County. A delighted Muriuki acknowledged the intimidating presence of Al Azizia FC, saying he was certain the two arch-rivals would ultimately clash in the finals, and where Ikuu Spiders piqued their in the hotly contested match

“We have lost players in the past due to limited funds and exposure challenges. With this win, we have shown our contention and readiness for the big leagues which we will now pursue with added confidence. I am sure my squad will be even more energized and focused as the league progresses”, he said.

Team captain, Dennis Gikundi, though disappointed, expressed optimism quipping that the team will go back to the drawing board with a view to improving their penalty handling skills.

“This tournament has been a significant motivation and an eye opener with other equally competitive community teams looking to uplift themselves and their talents just like us,” he said while encouraging young football players to stay steadfast and maximize opportunities such as the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba.

The tournament that pits 6 teams from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Machakos Counties, kicked off on a high with Embu's Kiangima FC, opening the goals onslaught when they beat Tharaka Nithi's Nturiri FC  2-1. Kiangima's goals were scored by Brian Kelly in the 11th minute and Collins Ochieng in the early minutes of the second half, soon after followed by Nturiri's Dennis Mwiatui's consolation goal. 

In the second match, Al Azizia FC, easily outclassed fellow home side Kaguma FC 3-1. Fred Mureithi, Edu Oyoo and Sudi Juma scored in the 8th, 9th and 15th minute respectively. Kaguma's goal was scored by Mathias Simiyu in the 10th minute.

In the third match, Ikuu Spider FC, settled for a 1-0 victory in a hotly contested match that saw Kiangima FC concede a penalty in the 20th minute, scored by team captain, Isa Muriki. Meru's Kaguma FC lost 2-0 to Machakos-based Kakutha Green Eagles when Sammy Wambua and Dennis Wambua found the net in the 26 and 27th minute respectively.

In what was a highlight of the tournament, Al Azizia proved why they are the top dogs in Meru County in the 6th match of the day when in a relentless drive for goals they rained multiple volleys of near misses against the Eagles.

Playing a well-coordinated and patient game, Al Azizia shone in the fair weather of Meru, piling on the pressure against their opponents with the clear blue skies up above almost beckoning them to wrap things up already.

They soon reaped the dividends, when the Eagles conceded a handball in the box, giving Al Azizia their first penalty in the 4th minute, quickly converted by Tony Musa to a wonderful reception by the home fans.

Ikuu Spider FC in action during the Eastern Region Cheza Dimba Tournament on May 12, 2024. /HANDOUT

As if responding to the fans, the homeboys were at it again raiding the Eagles' nest to steal two goals in quick succession, one from the penalty spot converted by Fred Murithi in the 15th minute with Musa scoring in the 22nd minute from a well-timed shot in the box, that settled the game at 3-1 to Al Azizia. The Eagles' goal was scored by Kimani Kelvin in the 7th minute.

The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba regional football tournament, powered by SportPesa Kenya, continues to heat up with the conclusion of the Eastern region leg. The initiative now moves to the North Rift region, promising more exciting matches and showcasing grassroots football talent from across Kenya.

About Tujiamini

Tujiamini is an initiative by leading sports betting firm in Kenya that seeks to provide a platform, including up to 30 million shillings in funding, for individual and team sports talent.

The year-long campaign travels around the country, evoking a sense of pride in Kenya’s sports and talent ecosystem.