Homa Bay, Busia counties crowned inaugural Talanta Hela Champions
Homa Bay and Busia counties are the champions of the inaugural Talanta Hela Under-19 Tournament following their deserved victories in the final games yesterday at a charged Nyayo Stadium and in front of President William Ruto and other top government and county officials.
Homa Bay thrashed neighbours Kisumu County 4-2 in a thrilling boys’ final while Busia crushed Kisumu 3-1 to right history and grab the bragging rights as the first winners of the competition.
Both teams took home a whooping shs 5m each, trophies and medal after their success in the state organised, mouthwatering football tourney.
A superb Cecil Miller scored the first goal for Homa Bay, brilliantly looping the ball over Kisumu goalkeeper Tom Orano inside the area three minutes before the break.
Homa Bay came back stronger in the second half and scored three quick goals from substitutes Hamisi Otieno,Geoffrey Omondi and Ben Ogutu.
Baron Omondi converted a penalty for Kisumu in the 73rd minute after Ostine Otieno was taken down inside the box. Tony Odhiambo scored the second goal for Kisumu County.
In girl’s category, a tactical Busia County downed Kisumu 3-1 to clinch the title.
Busia grabbed the first goal in the 33rd minute from a Halima Imbachi’s 25-yard shot that proved too hot for Kisumu goalkeeper Mercy Akoth.
However, Kisumu had a quick reply one minute later with Maureen Atieno tapping home a bouncing ball inside the box, a follow up on a punched ball from Vivian Akinyi’s free kick that troubled Busia goalie Christine Adhiambo.
Judith Nandwa netted the second goal for the winners in the 51st minute after captain Lorna Faith was fouled inside the box by defender Mitchell Genevive.
Defender Dorcas Glender finished the business of the day for Busia, tapping the ball to an empty net for a third goal after receiving a sumptuous left-wing cross from an overworking Judith Nandwa.
Homa Bay County girls’ team bagged shs 2m for finishing third following their 4-0 hammering of Uasin Gishu.
Vihiga County had a consolation of finishing in position three as well in boys football after defeating Nakuru County 3-2 in the play off at Nyayo.
Their marksman Austine Odongo scored a brace to take his tally eight goals in the tournament to finish as the top scorer, one goal above West Pokot’s Glen Otieno.
