Kenya's Talanta Hela U19 boys win Costa Daurada Cup in Spain

Kenya's Talanta Hela team celebrates after winning in Spain.[Courtesy]

Kenya's Talanta Hela Boys Under-19 team emerged victorious in the 15th edition of the Costa Daurada Cup, held in Salou, Spain.

The young Kenyan athletes left an indelible mark on the international stage, culminating in a triumphant 3-0 victory against Usurbil from Barcelona at the Futbol Salou Sports Center.

The final match was a testament to the prowess of the Kenyan side as they dominated proceedings from the outset.

Striker Austin Odongo proved to be a formidable force, netting two crucial goals to set the tone for Kenya's triumph. Midfielder Hamisi Otieno sealed the victory with a third goal in the dying minutes of the match, ensuring a resounding win for his team.

Throughout the tournament, Kenya's Talanta Hela Boys showcased exceptional skill and resilience, remaining unbeaten on Spanish soil.

Their journey to victory began with a commanding 3-0 win over CF Constantine, followed by a comprehensive 4-0 victory against X Buyer Team A. The boys concluded their pool matches with a solid 2-0 win over Usurbil FT, setting the stage for their remarkable run to the final.

In the semifinal stage, the determined youngsters faced off against Berango FT, securing a convincing 2-0 victory to advance to the final showdown. Their stellar performance in the final match against Usurbil FT not only secured the championship title but also underscored their status as a rising force in youth football.

Following the momentous win, coach Stanley Okumbi expressed his pride in the team's exceptional performance, emphasizing their potential for future success. "It was a great game. The boys really turned up well. They played according to expectations. We will build from here as we aim to make this team stronger in the future. These boys are capable of achieving more," remarked Okumbi.

In addition to their victory, Austin Odongo and William Gitamu were crowned the tournament's top point scorers, further highlighting the team's individual and collective prowess on the field.

Meanwhile, in the girls' category, Kenya faced a tough challenge against Sporting de Portugal in a closely contested match that ended in a 1-1 draw before losing in post-match penalties.

Despite the setback, striker Elizabeth Mideva emerged as the tournament's top scorer with six goals, earning her the prestigious Golden Boot award. Goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo was also recognized for her outstanding performance, being named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

As the tournament concludes, both the boys' and girls' teams will continue their journey of development, with plans to further hone their skills at the MIC Camp under the guidance of esteemed international coaches.

The future looks bright for Kenya's emerging football stars as they continue to make strides on the global stage.