In a riveting showdown that held fans at the edge of their seats, Lirhembe Arsenal emerged triumphant, securing the highly sought-after Cleo Malalah Super Cup at Mumias Complex in an enthralling encounter against Kona Legends.
Mark Shaban etched his name into history, delivering a stellar performance by scoring a decisive goal in the 26th minute, followed by another crucial goal in extra time, propelling Lirhembe Arsenal to a 3 million Ksh victory.
Initially slated for a previous day, the match was rescheduled to Sunday due to adverse weather conditions that rendered the pitch unplayable, setting the stage for an electrifying clash between two well-matched teams.
Kona Legends from Likuyani displayed relentless determination, forcing regular time to conclude in a tense 1-1 draw.
Lirhembe Arsenal emerges as the @Cleophasmalala Super Cup Winner after beating Kona Legends 2-1 in extra time. #MikikiYaSpoti pic.twitter.com/FBnVxwCvd1
— Radio 47 (@Radio47KE) December 31, 2023
Amidst heightened anticipation, the match’s intensity soared as the game proceeded to extra time. Mark Shaban’s standout performance saw him breach the Legends’ defense, unleashing a thunderous strike that found the back of the net, securing Lirhembe Arsenal’s victory and the prestigious 3 million Ksh prize.
Despite their valiant effort, Kona Legends earned recognition for their formidable performance, walking away with a respectable prize of 1.5 million Ksh, a testament to their prowess on the field.
Earlier in the day, the stadium buzzed with excitement as eager fans packed the stands following an initiative by the tournament’s Patron, Senator Cleophas Malala, offering free branded T-shirts to the first 10,000 spectators arriving at the stadium.
Lirhembe Arsenal, hailing from Ikolomani Constituency, asserted their dominance by clinching the title for the third time within the five editions of the tournament, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse team.
The Cleo Malalah Super Cup has earned accolades as the largest individual football tournament on African soil, captivating audiences with its grandeur and extensive coverage across the region.
Notably, the tournament has attracted substantial high-profile corporate sponsorships, demonstrating significant financial and in-kind support.
With an impressive audience of over 6 million football enthusiasts following the event both from the stadium and through various social media platforms, Senator Malalah emerges as a prominent figure in Western Kenya.
His tournament spanned across five counties in the region, along with guest teams from six other regions, underscoring its immense impact on the local and national football landscape.