St Peters Wagai High School pulled off a major upset by beating defending champions Mighty Obunga FC 1-0 to reach the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals.
Nelson Warambo scored the only goal of the semi-final at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo.
Warambo beat the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to give Wagai the lead before half-time.
Obunga dominated possession after the break and applied pressure in the final third as they searched for an equaliser.
But Wagai defended resolutely, maintaining their shape to frustrate the defending champions and secure a clean sheet.
Wagai coach Nicholas Owende said being considered underdogs had motivated his players.
“Obunga underrated us before and during the match because they were playing against school children,” he said.
“They even visited our training camp wondering how we reached this level. So I encouraged my boys to stay focused, stick to the game plan and maintain strong mental discipline.”
Owende said his team was now focused on the final against Awendo Academy, with the regional title and a Sh million prize at stake.
Full-back Alex Alando was named player of the match despite playing with a head injury.
“I couldn’t afford to miss playing because of a small issue. I had to fight for the badge,” he said.
Obunga coach Evans Oketch accepted the defeat and said a defensive mistake had proved costly.
“Our opponents got one chance, scored and defended well. In every game there is always a winner and a loser,” he said.
Oketch said Obunga would return in the next edition with the aim of regaining the title.
In the girls’ competition, two-time defending champions Plateau Queens of Nyakach Girls High School reached the final after an 8-0 win over Masosa Starlets.
Hedso Queens also advanced after beating Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0.
In the boys’ competition, Awendo FC defeated Kendu Muslims 2-0 to book their place in the final.
A total of 12 teams had won their respective county competitions to qualify for the Nyanza regional tournament.
County winners received Sh75,000, while runners-up earned Sh30,000, alongside individual awards.
Players and coaches also took part in mentorship sessions and coaching clinics during the competition.
The Nyanza Regional Finals for both the boys’ and girls’ competitions will be held on September 13, 2026 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo in Kisumu.
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