Sandoki FC crowned champions of Rose Baraka Tournament in Sabaki
- Created by AVDelta Sports Desk
- Football
Sandoki FC defeated Blessed FC 1-0 in the Rose Baraka Tournament final, with Emmanuel Abila scoring the winner.
Sandoki FC emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Rose Baraka MCA Sabaki Ward Tournament, defeating Blessed FC 1-0 in a tense final played at Sandoki Grounds in Kwandomo.
The decisive goal came in the 53rd minute when Sandoki captain Emmanuel Abila broke through Blessed FC’s defence and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
The strike proved sufficient to secure Sandoki FC the championship title in front of an electrified crowd of nearly 5,000 fans from across Kilifi County.
Blessed FC started strongly, dominating much of the first half and forcing Sandoki to defend deep.
Despite their pressure, the teams went into half-time locked at 0-0.
After the break, however, Sandoki FC reorganised, tightened their midfield, and took control of the game.
Their relentless attacks produced three goals, though two were ruled offside by the referee, leaving Abila’s strike as the match-winner.
As champions, Sandoki FC received Sh60,000 in cash, a trophy, team jerseys, and footballs.
Runners-up Blessed FC were awarded Sh40,000, jerseys, and a ball, while third-placed Serengeti FC earned Sh20,000.
Sandoki’s midfielder Soja Kaingu was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
The Rose Baraka Tournament, organised during the November–December holiday season and culminating in January 2026, brought together teams from across Sabaki Ward.
The final showcased local football talent and highlighted the growing passion for grassroots sports in Kilifi County.
With Sandoki FC crowned champions, the tournament concluded on a high note, leaving fans eager for the next edition of this community-driven football spectacle.
Speaking after the final, Sabaki Ward MCA Rose Baraka congratulated all the young players who participated.
She urged more youth from the ward to embrace sports, describing it as only the beginning and promising greater opportunities in the year ahead.
Baraka emphasized that the tournament aims to keep young people engaged in positive activities, steering them away from harmful behaviours such as drug abuse or joining criminal gangs.
She also highlighted its role in protecting girls from early pregnancies, particularly during the holiday season when many children are at home.
