Kisasa FC reached the Diamond Youth Football League final on Sunday, beating Skillz FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s Grounds.
Skillz FC pulled ahead in the first half before Kisasa levelled from a long-range free kick after the break, sending a tense tie to a penalty shootout that the boys held their nerve to win. Moses started in goal, with a back line of Lawrence Omangi, Clifton ‘Obama’ Obama, Jose and John ‘Richie’ Otieno ahead of him. Across the midfield, a unit of Crispin Kiarie, Griffin, Calvin and Ryan, with Taji and Nicholas fronting the attack.
Kisasa started well, Nicholas bright early on and Lawrence enjoying a good battle down the flank against Skillz FC’s nimble winger. Taji and Calvin both went close - Calvin rising for a header from a corner - and Richie produced a standout tackle at the back to keep Skillz FC out. Good build-up frequently cut through the organised visitors, and a quick, intelligent pass sent Nicholas clean through on goal, only for the flag to go up for offside. Against the run of those chances, Skillz FC’s winger found the breakthrough to lead 1-0, and an effort from midfield rattled the bar before the sides went in with the visitors a goal up at the break.
Level, Then Penalties
Kisasa came out the stronger side after the interval. Jose impressed in defence, and Griffin and Yeseong added fresh legs off the bench. As the game entered its decisive moments, Ryan stepped up to a free kick from well outside the box and forced it beyond the goalkeeper to draw Kisasa level. Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but Jose’s last-man defending and a string of blocks and interceptions from Richie kept Skillz FC at bay. Ninety minutes were not enough to separate the teams, and the semi-final went to penalties.
In the shootout, Christian buried the first into the roof of the net and Moses saved Skillz FC’s opening kick. Geoff and Nicholas also converted, Nicholas rolling his calmly into the corner; Taji was denied by the goalkeeper. Skillz FC could not keep pace, and Moses’ save from their final penalty settled it 4-1 in Kisasa’s favour and sent the touchline into celebration.
The final will be played at St. Mary’s Grounds on Sunday, 28 June, against Diamond FC A.
After a competitive league campaign, reaching the final is a monumental step for this young side, and all eyes in the camp now turn to preparation for Sunday’s showpiece.
Lineup
GK: Moses
LB: Lawrence Omangi · CB: Clifton ‘Obama’ Obama · CB: Jose · RB: John ‘Richie’ Otieno
CM: Crispin Kiarie · CM: Griffin · CM: Calvin · CM: Ryan
LW: Taji · RW: Nicholas
Subs: Yeseong, Christian, Kelvin, Bravin
Stats
Final score: Kisasa FC 1-1 Skillz FC (Kisasa FC won 4-1 on penalties)
Venue: St. Mary’s Grounds (James Gichuru Road), Nairobi
Competition: Diamond Youth Football League - Semi-Final
Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Goal: Ryan (Kisasa FC)
Result: Into the final vs Diamond FC A, Sunday 28 June
Key Moments
- Lawrence grew into a tough battle down the flank against Skillz FC’s nimble winger
- Nicholas was sent clean through but ruled offside in a tightly contested first half
- Skillz FC’s winger broke the deadlock to put the visitors 1-0 up at the break
- Ryan levelled after the interval with a long-range free kick that forced its way past the keeper
- Jose’s last-man defending and Richie’s interceptions kept Skillz FC out as the game opened up
- Moses saved two penalties, including the decisive kick, to win the shootout 4-1
- Kisasa reach the final against Diamond FC A at St. Mary’s on Sunday, 28 June