Kisumu Lakers, Queens in Action as COPA Matches Resume

After taking a breather last weekend, the COPA Coca-Cola Under-15 youhth football tournament resumes this weekend with last year’s losing finalists, Kisumu Lakers, in action.

Lakers who lost to JMJ academy 3-1 in last year’s national finals will have revenge on their minds when they start their campaign in Nyanza North branch. Their first assignment will be to navigate past city rivals Kisumu United in their first tie. The two met in last year’s group stages with the match ending in a stalemate.

Lakers’ second match will be against Siaya United as Kisumu United tackle hosts Muhoroni Stars in Muhoroni. Muhoroni will then play Siaya United as Bondo Combined clash with debutants Gem Center Maliera.

Kisumu Queens had it easy qualifying for the national finals last year and will be favorites to win the girls’ group. They will face Bondo Girls as Onjiko Girls Talent take on Siaya Queens in the ladies’ fixtures.

Railways Club will host the Nairobi East branch matches. Last year’s provincial finalists Makadara Juniors could book their slot into their second provincial finals in a row. To achieve that feat, they will have to take all the three points in their clash against Kariobangi Combined.

The runners-up slot is still open with all the remaining five teams capable of joining Makadara to the advanced stages. Ajentos boys who lost 2-1 in their first match will take on Young Rovers in their first match before meeting Kamukunji Combined. The latter will take on Kariobangi Combined in the last assignment of the day.

Kayole Starlets and Tia Hope Girls are deadlocked at the top with only goal difference separating the two in the girls’ category. The two will clash in a winner takes all match as Golden Angels and St. Anne Girls meet in the other match.

Kisauni Youth won their opening two matches and could qualify for Coast provincial finals should they collect four of six points available in their clash against Bright Stars and Wayzata Boys. Other matches will pit Mvita Youth against Changamwe Youth who will also battle with Taveta Heroes. Bright Stars second and third matches of the day will be against Mvita Youth and Taveta Heroes. Kwale Queens will play two matches in the ladies’ category, first against Bright Starlets then against Taita Queens. The latter will tackle Mombasa County Starlets in the last assignment of the day. The matches will be played in Changamwe.

Kuinet Girls from North Rift and Kyanika from Southern Branch are the only teams who have booked their slot in the provincial finals set for July.


Collated Fixtures

Nyanza West (Migori Stadium)

Kuria Youth v St. Julian Lugari Boys

Aspire Youth v Mbita Little Stars

Awendo FC v Asumbi

Mbita Stars v St. Julian Lugari Boys

Aspire Youth v Kuria Youth


Girls

Moi Girls SIndo v St. Julian Lugari Girls

Kuria Ladies v Orwa Ojode Girls

South Rift Branch (Bomet)

Ujuzi Stars v Kilgoris Youth

Bomet Youth v Maasai Boys

Kapkatet Boys v Kericho Township

Ujuzi Stars v Maasai Boys

Bomet Youth v Kilgoris Youth



Girls

Nyasita Queens v Konoin Starlets

Chebo Girls v Maasai Girls


Lower Eastern (Kibugua Chuka)

Kavengero Juniors v Maara United Boys

Embu Youth v Tharaka Young Stars

Black Cats v Black Stars

Kavengero Juniors v Tharaka Young Stars

Embu Youth v Maara United Boys


Girls

CI Starlets v Muminji Starlets

Embu Starletsv v Tharaka Starlets

And That's thesteifmastertake!!