NELADOL CROWNED: Kikuyu-based club stage a brilliant comeback to lift Kiambu County cup

Neladol FC players celebrate after being crowned Kiambu County Football Tournament champions at Thika Stadium on Saturday. [PHOTO:ERICK WAINAINA/STANDARD]

Neladol FC from Kikuyu are the champions of the inaugural Kiambu County Cup football championship. Neladol came from a goal down to edge Kiambu Community Club 2-1 at the Thika Stadium on Saturday.

With the full support of their County Representative Binary Wainana on the touchline, Neladol charged past the home team to emerge the champions.

Neladol coach Danson Ubingu told FeverPitch that the substitutions he made early in the second half changed the game, steering them to victory. "I had a weak midfield in the first half. I made two substitutions and it worked for us," he said.

Ubingu also attributed his victory to his ability to read the opponents' game. "I keenly read Kiambu Community's game, pointing out their weaknesses and used that to beat them."

Ubingu brought in Joe Onyango in place of Dismus Omondi and Martin Njoroge in place of Elijah Njoroge in the 46th minute. Their efforts bore fruit a minute later through a Fredrick Otieno penalty two minutes into the second half; after he was fouled in the box.

Rejuvenated and hungry for victory, Neladol intensified their attacks but their striker David Kamira missed an opportunity to put them ahead after shooting wide in the 49th minute with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Midfielder Elijah Njoroge put Kiambu goalkeeper David to Njihia to the test in the 52nd minute through a header at the edge of the box with Njihia punching the ball out before Simon Ngatho scored Kiambu's lone goal in the eighth minute.

Martin Njoroge's 59th minute goal was disputed after being held on the line by goalkeeper Njihia. Centre referee Peter Waweru disallowed the goal but after consultations with line referee Stephen Maina he awarded the goal.

Both teams wasted clear chances during the proceedings. Neladol goalkeeper Njoroge won the Golden Glove Award while Daniel Mwangi emerged  the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Lucky Boyz of Gachie beat Twinshooters of Ngewa 3-2 in post- match penalties to settle for third place. The match ended on a 2-2 stalemate in regular time. The county executive team trounced the county representative's team 3-2 in the curtain raiser.

Kiambu County Youth Affairs and Sports executive Machel Waikenda said the tournament was a success and was just the beginning of better sporting events in the county. "This is just a tip of the iceberg, we are working on more sporting events for our youth and we intend to make them very successful," Waikenda said.

He added that they will be hosting the county women's championships before the year ends.  [email protected]