Kenya’s Talanta Hela Boys crowned Champions in Spain, Girls go down fighting

Kenya’s Talanta Hela boys became the first African team to win the Costa Daurada Cup in Tarragona, Spain capping a great week of magical performances with a 3-0 victory over Spanish side Usurbil in the U19 final staged at the Futbol de Salou Complex on Thursday afternoon.

Ebwali Boys’ School student Austine Odongo gave Kenya a deserved lead in the first half from the spot following a dangerous foul on Jeremy Bisau inside the area.

The Stanley Okumbi charges dominated the game through to the second half and Hamisi Otieno low shot went past Usurbil goalie, giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage.

Late in the game, Odongo produced a margical show with a great turn and a volley that left the Usurbil team in shock with Kenya making a routine win over the opponents having beaten them 2-0 in the Group stage.

Kenya finished the tournament without conceding a single goal and netting 14 goals in the campaign.

Shot stopper Peter Juma who displayed a great show away from home expressed his delight after managing to keep opponents away from Kenya’s goal line.

“It feels good to be champions of this tournament. The competition was tough and we gave a good fight as a team. Generally, the tournament has helped to show our talents and we hope that the scouts that were here have noted our names through our performances. It has been a good experience and I would like to thank our Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and the entire management of the Kenya Academy of Sports for organizing this for us and I hope it will be a stepping stone for the other youngsters,” Juma grinned.

The girls’ team were unlucky in their last match and they went down fighting against Portuguese side Sporting de Portugal at the Nou Tarragona Stadium.

The Jacklyn Juma coached side lost 2-0 in penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Elizabeth Mideva netted once again to take her tally to six goals in five matches and emerged as the top scorer of the tournament.

Kenya’s keeper Christine Adhiambo won the golden glove with Austine Odongo and Bandari’s William Gitama getting the top scorers award in boys’ category with three goals each in the tourney.

After the conclusion of the Costa Daurada tournament, the Talanta Hela teams will embark on a series of friendly matches and the players are scheduled to visit Estadio Olympico on Saturday to watch Barcelona against  Las Palmas.