The official launch exhibition matches of the 5th edition of Safaricom Chapa Dimba delivered excitement, rivalry and unforgettable moments on Saturday as Kisumu hosted a thrilling day of youth football action at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.

The boys’ exhibition fixtures brought together school football giants, community clubs and youth academy sides in a celebration of grassroots football, with fans treated to dramatic comebacks, tense penalty shootouts and intense derby battles that highlighted the growing quality of young talent across the country.

The standout match of the day saw Kisumu Day High School, popularly known as Yuthe, face off against Kakamega School’s Green Commandos in a fiercely contested Western Region showdown.

Playing in front of their home supporters, Kisumu Day began the match strongly and looked more dangerous in the early exchanges. Their bright start paid off in the first half when Anthony Mike calmly found the back of the net to hand the hosts a deserved lead. The goal energized Yuthe, who controlled large periods of the opening half with quick attacking transitions and disciplined defending.

Kakamega School struggled to settle initially but slowly grew into the match as halftime approached. Despite creating several chances before the break, the Green Commandos could not find an equalizer, allowing Kisumu Day to head into the interval with a narrow 1-0 advantage.

The second half, however, belonged to Kakamega School.

The Green Commandos returned from the break with renewed intensity and urgency, pressing higher up the pitch and dictating possession through midfield. Their pressure gradually pushed Kisumu Day deeper as momentum shifted toward the visitors.

Their persistence eventually paid off when Brighton Nacheri scored the equalizing goal to level matters and breathe fresh life into the contest. The goal sparked confidence within the Kakamega School side, who continued to attack relentlessly in search of a winner.

Late in the match, Derrick Wanyonyi completed the comeback after scoring the decisive goal that sealed an impressive 2-1 victory for the Green Commandos. The dramatic turnaround sparked celebrations among the Kakamega School bench as they claimed bragging rights in one of the most entertaining matches of the launch event.

While Kisumu Day suffered disappointment after surrendering their lead, the hosts still produced encouraging moments and showed the attacking quality that made them competitive throughout the contest.

Elsewhere, fans witnessed another highly charged encounter during the much-anticipated slum derby between Manyatta United and Obunga FC. Two former Chapa Dimba winners.

The two community-based sides battled intensely in a match that reflected the passion and competitiveness of grassroots football in Kisumu. Neither side managed to separate themselves during normal time as the game ended 1-1 after a physical and entertaining affair.

The derby was eventually decided through penalties, where Manyatta United held their composure to edge Obunga FC 6-5 and walk away with local bragging rights.

The final exhibition match of the day featured Kenya’s biggest football rivalry at youth level as Gor Mahia Youth faced AFC Leopards Youth.

The contest remained tightly balanced throughout normal time, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock in a tense goalless draw. AFC Leopards Youth, eventually triumphed 6-5 in the penalty shootout to claim victory in the Chapa Dimba launch derby clash.

Beyond the results, the launch exhibition matches highlighted the continued growth of youth football development in Kenya through the Safaricom Chapa Dimba initiative. From school football powerhouses to estate-based clubs and elite youth academies, the event showcased the depth of talent emerging from grassroots structures while setting the tone for another exciting Chapa Dimba seaason.