Dar boys too good for Mombasa in U-16 final

JMK Park and Ukonga were on Sunday night crowned Dar es Salaam Regional Under-16 Cup champions after winning their respective epic final matches.

JMK Park posted a convincing 36-12 win over Mombasa Academy in the boy’s final at the JMK Youth Park.

Ukonga also gave their fans something to cheer about after defeating Orkeeswa Monduli from Arusha 37-20 in the thrilling girls’ final at the same venue.

JMK Park were leading 17-6 until the end of the first half and maintained their superiority in the second half with 19 points against 6 points netted by Mombasa Academy.

Abba Patrick and Josephat Peter, who posted 12 and eight points respectively were the match’s top marksmen.

Mombasa Academy netted their points through Denish Kanyinyan, who penned 5 points while Isaack Ongat added four points.

Speaking after the game, JMK coach Bahati Mgunda showered praise on his players, but admitted that Mombasa Academy played a “decent” game.

“My players performed well once again against spirited opponents. Mombasa Academy have experienced and talented players, but I am delighted that my boys overcame such a strong team,” he said.

Mombasa Academy coach Jimnah Kimani conceded defeat, saying they lost to a better team. “We lost to a better team, but we had our chances which we fluffed. Had my forwards been precise up front, we could have bagged the title,” he said.

In the girls’ final, Ukonga survived a scare before emerging the champions of the inaugural tournament.

They were leading 19-20 at the end of the first before coming up with 18-10 in the second half.

Ukonga’s Jesca Julius was the match’s top scorer.

after pumping in 15 points for the winners, while Aisha Salumu added six points.

Jesca Julias point guard Aisha Salumu notched 15 points and her teammate Aisha Salumu plundered six points while Orkeeswa got their points from towering Christina John and Asha Ahmed .

JMK Park top marksman Atik Ally emerged the Most Valuable Player in the boys’ category.

In the girls’ category, Ukonga player Jesca Julius took the Most Valuable Player award.