The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Boys Team launched their Spanish tour with a statement win, dismantling SD Huesca U23 by six goals to one in a friendly encounter at the Huesca Academy Grounds.

Kenya’s squad were ruthless from the outset. Brian Aroka opened the scoring with an early strike, and Derrick Oketch doubled the lead before half-time.

After the break, Dennis Okumu delivered a brace, Felix Munguti added his name to the scoresheet, and persistent pressure from David Wanyama forced an own goal.

The hosts responded late through an 89th-minute consolation by Nicolas Lopez.

Reflecting on the day, Huesca Academy coach Gabriel Infante explained that the friendly followed an intensive morning of tactical drills focused on building decision-making and composure on the ball.

He noted that while the Kenyans showed great energy and execution, their finishing still needed sharpening.

“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,” Infante.

“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.” 

From the hosts’ side, SD Huesca player Alex Rivas described the experience of facing the Kenyan team as unlike anything he had encountered before. He emphasised their pace, physicality and creativity on the ball, which made the match both enjoyable and exhausting.

“Playing against the Kenyan team was an amazing experience. I’m 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. 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,” Rivas said.

On the Kenyan side, striker Derrick Oketch explained that the day had begun with specific drills aimed at improving transitions, passing, and finishing, which later translated into the match. He admitted that although the team dominated and created chances, they were not as clinical as they hoped to be.

“Today, we trained on three key drills: transitions, passing, and finishing. The game was enjoyable, and I really had a good time. We overpowered our opponents with our pace and made them work hard, really making them sweat. However, our finishing was a bit lacking despite the win. That’s an area we’re determined to sharpen, and I believe by the time we leave here, we will have made real progress,” Oketch stated.

The girls’ side also had their chance to impress, with Hellen Mito and Martha Simiyu Nafula selected to join SD Huesca’s senior ladies’ team for an evening training programme.

They first joined the Spanish players for a gym session before heading to the pitch for field work later in the day.

The Kenyan contingent is today expected to visit Podoactiva, the Zaragoza Centre, and the Aragonese Federation. In the evening, the boys will take on Valdefierro CF, while the girls face Zaragoza CFF in their next round of friendlies.