By Phillip Orwa
Mali Mali Ladies defeated defending champions Kimang’eti Queens 1–0 in a hard-fought encounter to reclaim the women’s championship during the seventh edition of the Karamoja Super Cup on Sunday, in a match that was staged at Samitsi Grounds in Malava.
Marion Chambisa scored the solitary goal of the game midway through the second half, rounding the goalkeeper perfectly before passing the ball into an empty net to secure the win for Mali Mali, who had also won the championship in 2023.
With the win, Mali Mali Ladies took home Sh300,000, while Kimang’eti Queens received Sh150,000 courtesy of title sponsors Betika, who have been the core sponsors throughout the seven editions. On their part, Musungu Queens received Sh100,000 for finishing third.
Speaking at a packed Samitsi Grounds on Sunday, organiser Bramwel Karamoja said: “We started with just eight teams in the inaugural tournament, and that has grown to more than 150 teams for both women and men in the seventh edition. The tournament has had a big impact on the whole community. Apart from football, locals have the opportunity to earn money by vending various items, which is something they always look forward to every year.
I want to thank Betika for always being my main partner through the Betika na Community initiative. We have had players scouted and moved to the Kenya Premier League, which shows the impact on the field this tournament continues to have. We look forward to an even better eighth edition next year.”
This year marked the seventh edition of the Karamoja Super Cup. This annual grassroots football tournament has grown into a festival of football and a staple event in the region’s grassroots sports calendar since its inception in 2019.
Elsewhere, Green Commandos and Young Ladies were crowned champions of the 15th edition of the Chris Oguso Cup, another annual grassroots tournament backed by Betika.
Green Commandos beat Madioli FC 1–0 in the men’s final, courtesy of a goal by midfielder Alvin Inyang’u in the 14th minute, while Young Ladies beat Nice Ladies 2–1 in the women’s final. Willy Gloria scored first for Young Ladies in the 31st minute, with Mary Mumbua doubling the score in the 70th minute. Yvonne Atieno pulled one back in the 89th minute for Nice Ladies, but it was not enough to stage a comeback.
Green Commandos took home Sh400,000, while Young Ladies pocketed Sh300,000. First runners-up Madioli FC bagged Sh200,000, with Nice Ladies receiving Sh100,000.
