Lunga United FC lifted the Joshua Wabwire Cup after upsetting Nasewa United 2-0 in the final match played at Lunga RC Primary School grounds in Matayos South Ward, Busia County on Wednesday.
Nasewa had not lost to their opponents in the finals of two previous tournaments by other sponsors since April 2022, but the loss in the tournament sponsored by an Advocate of the High Court practicing in Nairobi, Joshua Wabwire was a bitter pill to swallow for the team that were pre-tournament favourites.
Showing their intentions clear, Lunga which has qualified to play in the FKF Busia County League which kicks off on January 7, 2023, stunned their opponents with a first minute goal scored by their prolific goalgetter Eugene Wangalwa.
With the score remaining 1-0 at the breather, Nasewa started the second half with sporadic raids from Athman Omar, Edmond Obinda and Edgar ” Rore” Bahati, that saw them force two consecutive corners but it proved futile even after making three substitutions.
The goal that killed the spirits of the high-flying Nasewa came five minutes to end of the gruelling battle through Eric Petro from a 20-metre curving shot that beat Nasewa goalkeeper, Dalmas Hannington all the way.
The bruising encounter was well handled by centre referee Allan Andiega (National Super League), first assistant Isaac Ogutu (NSL), and second assistant, Andrew Onyulo ( Branch League).
In the semi-finals, Lunga had trounced Labour FC 3-0 with Benedict Otieno scoring a brace in the 60th and 74th minute and Eric Petro netting the third in the 69th minute. Nasewa beat Matayos Legends 4-3 on penalties after the two teams drew 0-0 at full time.
In the play-offs, Matayos Legends took third position after beating Labour FC 3-2. The match was officiated by NSL referee, Jonathan Odhiambo assisted by Isaac Ogutu and Mercy Oduor (Branch League).
Winners received a trophy, a set of uniforms and Ksh20,000.Runners up Nasewa received uniforms and Ksh15,000, third-placed Matayos Legends got uniforms and Ksh10,000; Fourth placed Labour FC received uniforms and Ksh5,000 with 12 other participating teams receiving Ksh2,000 each.
Lunga’s Habbib Hajji was voted the best player of the tournament with his counterpart, Nickson Ouma emerging the best goalkeeper. Thaddeus Wandera of Uprising Little Angels emerged top scorer that included a hat-trick.
Lunga captain, Dennis Wandera said it was a pleasant surprise to beat their worthy opponents, promising to beef up their squad to match Nasewa who will be participating in the County League for the second season running.
The sponsor Joshua Wabwire said the tournament is not political but his main target is to strenghen their people, nurture talents, bring people together and have them entertained.
“What we are doing now speaks for itself. We want the people to showcase their talents and to spend their time wisely,” he said, adding that the original intention was to nurture talents that abound in the county and help address high unemployment rate, illicit alcohol, types of temptations that disrupt the youth from progressive path that makes them not adhere to education.
Wabwire, an alumni of Universirty of Oxford in London School of Law and Kenya School of Law, promised to increase teams participating in next year’s second edition to cover the entire sub county with prospects of extending it to the entire county in future.
The first area MCA Lucas Wakuloba who served between 2013-2017 said he will prevail upon the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba to send scouts during tournaments or leagues, to help identify talents that abound in the county.
Photos:
- Sponsor Joseph Wabwire hands over trophy and cash awards to Lunga United FC captain, Dennis Wandera.
- Sponsor Joshua Wabwire greets players before kick off.
- Sponsor and invited officials before kick off.
- Lunga united FC in a group photo before kick off.
- Nasewa united FC in a group photo before kick off.
- Match officials and Captains.
- A display of fairplay
