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Esse Akida Foundation tournament is aimed at nurturing talent in the Coastal region.
Defending champions Blue Blue will settle scores with Makeon FC on December 29 as the Esse Akida Foundation tournament comes to an end.
Blue Blue edged out favorites Ubuntu 4-2 on post-match penalties following a 0-0 draw in regulation time. Blue Blue goalkeeper Omar Kenga was the hero, scoring the opening kick and saving a crucial one while another hit the crossbar, to hand his side victory.
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11:10 - 28.12.2024
Holders Blue Blue battle into Esse Akida Foundation tourney semis
The tournament is in its second edition this year. Former international Esse Akida wans it to become an annual competition.
“It was a really tough match from the start but I want to thank my teammates for the effort we put in. Everyone worked really hard to see that we win and this victory is not just down to me. Our eyes are now on the final and we want to ensure we win and retain our title,” the custodian said as Mandela Ramadhan, Philip Kitsao and Emmanuel Podo scored the other three penalties.
The first semi-final pitting Young Atomic and Mekoan was an exciting affair which ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time, while Mekoan won 5-4 on penalties.
The Old Ferry-based side had come from a goal down to lead 2-1, courtesy of a pair of penalties scored by Sande Baraka and Saidi Abdul.
Koi Mwambiri had given Atomic the lead in the opening minutes of the game with a brilliant left footed shot on the turn inside the box, while John Terry had drawn them level towards the end of regulation time with a brilliant volley. On penalties, Mekoan keeper Rashid Mwero saved one, to give his side a good advantage. Skipper Suleiman Yaa scored the decisive penalty to send his team to the final.
“We had a few lapses in concentration in defense and we conceded. That is one of the areas we aim to improve heading into the final. We know it will not be easy because finals are always competitive. But we want to go all out and end the year on a high,” the captain said.
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