Part of the action between Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars and Huesca U23/HANDOUT
Dennis Okumu netted a brace as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars whipped hosts SD Huesca U23 6-1 in a friendly match played at Huesca Academy Grounds in Spain on Tuesday evening.
Okumu’s second-half brace and a Felix Munguti strike added to Brian Aroka and Derrick Oketch’s first-half strikes, while David Wanyama’s relentless high-press forced an own-goal from the hosts.
However, Nicolas Lopez spoiled a clean sheet for the visitors with a late consolation.
“The game was enjoyable, and I really had a good time. We overpowered our opponents with our pace and made them work hard. However, our finishing was a bit lacking despite the win. That’s an area we’re determined to sharpen. I believe by the time we leave here, we will have made real progress,” said Oketch.
Gabriel Infante, a coach at Huesca Academy seconded to the All-Star side, agreed with Oketch.
He said: “In the morning, we had a session focused on decision-making, giving players different options when in possession of the ball. It was a very good and intense session, which was very crucial for the boys. In the afternoon, we played a friendly match against our Academy’s U23 team. The boys competed very well, but one key area that still needs improvement is finishing. They created plenty of opportunities but failed to convert most of them, missing several clear chances despite securing the win. The score could have been much higher, but that’s all part of the learning process. We will continue to work on this area in future sessions.”
The hosts’ Alex Rivas was grateful in defeat, saying he learnt a lot from the encounter.
“Playing against the Kenyan team was an amazing experience. I am from the United States, and I haven’t had many chances to play against international teams, so this was truly special. They run a lot, are very physical and fast, and play with so much passion and freedom,” he said.
“What impressed me most is how they express themselves on the pitch, not bound by a rigid system, but playing with creativity and heart. They pushed me hard, made me run, and really made me sweat.”
Meanwhile, the All Stars girls’ team duo of Hellen Mito and Martha Nafula enjoyed a training session in the gym alongside the Huesca Senior Ladies Team.
On Wednesday, the team visit Podoactiva, the Zaragoza Centre, and the Aragonese Federation before playing friendly matches in the evening.
The boys take on Valdefierro CF, while the girls face Zaragoza CFF.
