Unstoppable Force: Githurai All Stars Clinches Second Sakaja Super Cup Win
For the second consecutive year, Githurai All Stars (GAS) has successfully defended the Sakaja Super Cup, emerging victorious in a thrilling final against their fierce rivals, Kawasaki FC. The team’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing an unyielding commitment to their dynamic style of play, driven by unity, determination and tactical brilliance.
The Road to the Final
Different to the 1st edition, this 2nd edition has seen them play few matches (15) to arrive to the final for the 2nd time and defend their title. Their tactical acumen of directness in attack with purpose saw them proceed from the group stage by winning against Zimmerman Utd (5-0), Saints FC (4-0) and a 1-1 draw against Holy Mary FCwhile they had a 2-0 walkover win against Bentoz FC who failed to honor their fixture.
Githurai All Stars VS ZImmerman United at Mahiga Grounds
They played Kahawa Utd in their last group game where they won 2-1 to advance to the next level of the competition. Across all this matches they created a superior midfield in the middle of the park which saw them through easily.
A deadly duo of Kevin Njuguna, the midfield orchestra and Stephen Agulu who is enjoying a great loan spell from Butterfly FC have been working in tandem to create overloads and forcing opponent fullbacks to pin back, limiting their attacking outlets by dropping deeper constantly finding passing lanes.
To determine who proceeds as the Roysambu Constituency Champion, the winner of Zone A(GAS) battled it out with Zone B’s PAC University where they had a 4-2 win. In the round 34, they had a comfortable 4-0 win over Komarock Rangers FC who were deemed dead ball specialists in the knockout stage. Across all this matches up to when they played Kiambu Warriors Fc in the quarters a fixture which they won 2-0, their defensive awareness and solidity was evident where they had a well-organized defensive line generally ensuring recovery of loose balls to prevent meaningful attacks effectively.
A day after, they had a tricky fixture against Lucky Summer FC which resulted to a narrow 3-2 win from penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate draw in normal time.
This was the Nairobi East Region semifinal. For the finals in these zones on 18th December, GAS played Shauri Moyo FC where they had another 3-2 narrow win.
True to the famous anecdotes in football history, luck is quantifiable and plays a much greater role in football! In these matches leading to the final, they displayed a relentless, high pressing style of play, characterized by quick counterattacks, solid defending and sharp finishing. Their cohesive teamwork and versatility were key factors in their continued success.
Fan Turnout and Atmosphere
Throughout the competition the support from the fans has been immense to the team. Each game saw packed stands in the Dandora Stadium with chants and waving banners, creating a glorious ambiance and an electric atmosphere.
In particular, the energy was palpable in the final on 20th December where a record-breaking crowd gathered to witness the team’s triumph. The unwavering support from the fans has
undoubtedly motivated the players to push their limits even in scenarios where they went a goal down and completed successful comebacks.
Before the final, Michael Maina the Team Manger expressed immense pride in the team’s journey, saying, “This has been an incredible journey and the players have worked tirelessly to face the tough challenges with their outstanding dedication and
belief in our system. I have no doubt that they will give their all in the final, and we will aim to repeat the success we achieved last year as we prove to them it was by merit and not sheer luck”.
True to his words, they proved their worth once again emerging victorious 2-1 to seal their second consecutive title with a dramatic repeat of last season’s matchup against Kawasaki FC.
They went a goal down in the 18th minute through a cutback which resulted to a goal for Kawasaki’s lethal and explosive striker, Cedric Ochoya. but a poor show of defensive awareness saw forward Erick Ng’ang’a restore parity for GAS in the 53rd minute. Then came the 79th minute where Massoud Hassan, who’s on loan from Mwihoko Sportive FC scored a top bins volley in the right-side side of the net which proved to be the winner moments after Kawasaki’s right back was given a second yellow card resulting to a red card after a show dissent to the referee.
With their skill, determination and exceptional fan support, Githurai All Stars has truly set a new benchmark in grassroot football.
