Kisumu edge Siaya to soar into Eliud Owalo Super Cup finals

Kisumu's Eugene Ochieng (left) xcelebrates his goal with teammate Tony Nyangor celebrate after scoing against Siaya.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu Combined FC secured their place in the finals of the Eliud Owalo Super Cup after a resounding 3-0 victory over Siaya Combined in the semifinals played at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County on Wednesday.

The hosts took control early in the match, with Eugene Ochieng providing Kisumu Combined with a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Ochieng showcased his striking prowess by connecting with a precise cross from Vincent Wanga, leaving Siaya's goalkeeper, Bruce Jacob, with no chance to make a save.

Kisumu striker Tony Nyangor in action against Siaya during the Eliud Owalo Super Cup at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The momentum continued into the second half, where Christopher Raila doubled the lead with a magnificent curled shot into the top corner. Eneji Abubakar sealed the deal, securing a convincing 3-0 win for Kisumu Combined.

Kisumu Combined will now face Homa Bay Combined in the much-anticipated finals scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground.

Siaya goalkeeper Bruce Jacob (right) collects the ball under the watch of his captain Patrick Otieno during their Eliud Owalo Super Cup semis against Kisumu at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Homa Bay secured their spot in the finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Migori on Tuesday at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.

Enos Ochieng opened the scoring for Homa Bay with a goal in the 45th minute, and Jacob Onyango extended the lead to 2-0 at the hour mark.

Kisumu  in action against Siaya during the Eliud Owalo Super Cup at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Despite a late consolation goal from Migori's Ben Stanley, Homa Bay emerged as the first team to qualify for the finals in this inaugural tournament.

Meanwhile, Siaya Combined will face off against Migori Combined in the third-place playoffs.

The Eliud Owalo Super Cup, sponsored by the Eliud Owalo Foundation, brings together teams from four Nyanza counties – Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Siaya.

Kisumu celebrate their goal against Siaya during the Eliud Owalo Super Cup at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The ultimate prize awaits the winner of the inter-counties final, who will challenge Gor Mahia FC at Nyilima Grounds in Asembo, Siaya County, on Saturday.

Eliud Owalo, the founder of the tournament, expressed his vision for the competition, emphasizing its role in developing and nurturing the youth's football talent in the Nyanza region.

"We have started this tournament to develop and nurture talent among the youth in Nyanza region, beginning from the grassroots, with community teams," Owalo stated after the match.

ICT CS Eliud Owalo speaking after the Kisumu vs Siaya semifinals at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In a positive turn of events for the participating youth, Owalo announced plans to collaborate with officials from major football teams, including those in the Kenya Premier League, to identify and recruit talented players from the tournament.

"We have representatives of robust teams which play in the KPL and scouts here. Their role is to identify talents to enable our youth to join their teams," Owalo affirmed.

The tournament's inauguration witnessed the match between Homa Bay Combined and Migori Combined, where former Gor Mahia legend Peter Dawo encouraged the youth to take sports seriously.

Gor Mahia great Peter Dawo (left) flanked by ICT CS Eliud Owalo speaks after the Kisumu vs Siaya semifinals at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Dawo expressed gratitude to Eliud Owalo for supporting sports through the tournament, urging continued support in the coming years.

"We appreciate the efforts by Eliud Owalo in promoting sports. I encourage the youth to take advantage of such opportunities," said Dawo.