Homa Bay crowned 2023 Eliud Owalo Super Cup champions

ICT CS Eliud Owalo (center) presents the trophy to Eliud Owalo Super Cup champions Homa Bay.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Homa Bay Combined Football Select are the inaugural 2023 Eliud Owalo Super Cup champions.

In a thrilling climax to the Super Cup, Homa Bay emerged victorious after a nail-biting showdown with Kisumu Combined at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

The stage was set for an epic battle on a Thursday evening in Mamboleo, Kisumu County, and the spectators were treated to a spectacle that would be etched in their memories.

Kisumu striker Tony Nyangor (left) in action against Homa Bay.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The regulation time ended with both teams unable to break the deadlock, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.

As the tension mounted, the fate of the cup was to be decided through the drama of penalties. Homa Bay Combined showcased nerves of steel, prevailing 4-2 in the post-match penalty shootout.

Brian Ochieng, Austine Okoth, Hamisi Otieno, and Erick Juma etched their names in Homa Bay's history by converting their penalty kicks.

On the opposing side, Alex Onchari and Vincent Wanga found the back of the net for Kisumu County.

Homa Bay goalkeeper Bernard Onunga.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

However, the hero of the hour was Homa Bay goalkeeper Bernard Onunga, who made a crucial save against Christopher Raila, while Jack Ochieng's attempt soared over the bar.

The victory earned Homa Bay not only the prestigious Eliud Owalo Super Cup but also the admiration of the fans.

Homa Bay midfielder Joseph Akwenda, who displayed exceptional skills throughout the tournament, was rightfully crowned the Most Valuable Player.

The stakes were high, with the promise of a face-off against the 20-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League Champions, Gor Mahia.

Kisumu in action against Homa Bay during the Eliud Owalo Super Cup in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Twenty-two promising players were scouted from the tournament, ready to showcase their talent on the grand stage at Nyilima Grounds in Rarieda.

The triumphant moment was made even sweeter as ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo personally extended his congratulations to Homa Bay.

Owalo's gesture was not merely verbal; he awarded the champions with a cash prize of Sh400,000 and a trophy, acknowledging their outstanding performance.

Homa Bay players and technical bench celebrate after winning the Eliud Owalo Super Cup.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu received Sh300,000 for their efforts, while Siaya, who secured the third spot by defeating Migori 2-1 in the playoffs, walked away with Sh200,000. Migori, despite falling short, received a consolation prize of Sh100,000.

The 2023 Eliud Owalo Super Cup Finals showcased not only the passion and skill of the players but also the unifying power of sports in communities like Homa Bay, where dreams were realized, and heroes were born.