Uasin Gishu girls are through to the semifinals of the Talanta Hela Under 19 tournament after defeating West Pokot 5-2 in the quarterfinal match played at the Kasarani Stadium on Friday.The high-spirited ladies have joined Kisumu, Busia and Homabay in the semifinal stage.It’s go time in the quarterfinals of the U19 Talanta Hela Nationals as teams in the boys and girls category go head to head to inch closer to the Ksh 5 Million ⚽️🏆#talantahela #talantahelanationals pic.twitter.com/3wciNAr1mR— Kenya Academy of Sports (@sportsAcademyKE) December 8, 2023 The team that trains in Eldoret was off to a flying start, earning the opening goal courtesy of Sunira Manda in the seventh minute.Following that, it was Marytricia Nafula who sent the crowds wild with another goal for Uasin Gishu 30 minutes into the game.West Pokot then responded through Michelle Waithira to see the scores at 2-1.Following that, it was Nafula scoring her brace two minutes after the restart.##NAJAVA_MECA_7729555##The competition was now heated as Faith Baraza scored West Pokot’s second goal.Uasin Gishu would then stage a comeback with two more goals from Frince Kavetma, while Manda added her second.The Eldoret-based ladies are out to avenge their brothers Uasin Gishu boys who failed to go past the group stage.In another quarterfinal match played at the Utalii Complex, Kisumu labored to a 3-1 win past Kakamega.Uganda down Kenya to win CECAFA U18 titleHomabay also proceeded to the semifinal stage after humbling stubborn Machakos 5-4 on penalties. The sides shared 2-2 spoils at regular time.Homabay were the first to strike through Quinter Adhiambo barely three minutes into the game.The pep-talk at halftime seemed to have an impact on Machakos who came in breathing fire in the final half.Minutes later, it was Peninah Wairimu adding her name to the scoresheet with an equalizer in the 47th minute.Their joy was however short-lived as Sheila Awuor added a goal for Homabay to see them retake the lead.Kibet, Wanzala collect individual awards for CECAFA U18 championship exploitsFollowing that, it was do or die with each team fighting to emerge victorious.Ann Munyiva then gave Machakos their second goal in the 67th minute.Homabay attempted a comeback, but it was too late as the referee blew the whistle to signal full-time.Cecilia Mutindi, Munyiva, Faith Syombua, and Wairimu slotted in penalties for Machakos while Homabay carried the day thanks to the magical feet of Princencia Atieno, Mercy Amuomo, Sherolda Akinyi, Juline Zena and Silpa Akinyi scoring.Here’s the summary at the end of the group stages 🏆Which teams in the U19 Talanta Hela Football Tournament have surprised you the most? #talantahela #TalantaHelaNationals pic.twitter.com/oQN7Wa3V0M— Kenya Academy of Sports (@sportsAcademyKE) December 7, 2023 At the same time, Busia County showed Nairobi who is boss following a 7-0 victory.Captain Faith Lornah led by example, scoring a hattrick, while Yvonne Adhiambo added a brace.Diana Anyango and JoyAngela Valencia scored a goal each.
