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Al Azizia FC and Black Panther emerged winners of the second edition of Meru Football challenge which was supported by gaming firm BETIKA and held at Kinoru Stadium.
Following their victories the tow team each received Ksh.1M while 1st runner ups and second runner up received Ksh.500,000 and Ksh.250,000 respectively.
Al Azazia,based in the sprawling Majengo ghetto defeated defending champions Mitunguu United 4-0. Goals from Kennedy Onyango, Wilfred Guatai, Marcas Abagala, and Michael Kiarie sealed the emphatic win.
In the women’s final, Black Panther played defeated Young Starlets 3-0 via post match penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Wendy Gaichugi was on the mark for Young Starlets in regular time while Talia Wambui equalized for Black Panther to send the match into penalties.
Betika Brand Manager Eric Mwiti said: “It was very encouraging seeing Kinoru Stadium packed yet again as fans came out in large numbers to support their teams. Congratulations to Al Azizia and Black Panther Queens for their victories today. They fought hard to pick wins in very competitive matches, which says a lot about the talent level and competition on display. This was the second time that we were doing this challenge following a successful first edition last year, and we are happy it was such a success and aligns with our motive to impact on communities.”
Tulivu FC beat KEMU FC 4-3 in the men’s third-place playoff, while Flamingo FC edged out Gachanka Fc 2-0 to clinch the third place among the ladies sides.
The Meru Football Challenge is an annual tournament held in Meru County under the Betika na Community initiative with the purpose of identifying, promoting, and nurturing talent within the region.
A total of 48 teams took part in the tournament with 32 being the men’s teams while 16 were the ladies teams.
Focus now turns to the national finals of the Betika BingwaFest set for Kisumu from April 15th to April 20th.
