Githurai All Stars celebrate after receiving the trophy from Governor Johnson Sakaja on December 20, 2024/HANDOUT
Defending champions Githurai All Stars rallied from a goal down to pip Kawasaki 2-1 to retain the Sakaja Super Cup at Dandora Stadium on Friday.
Shrink Park Starlets, on the other hand, were crowned champions in the women's division and won a million shillings after their rivals, South C Queens, were disqualified for fielding ineligible players.
The men's match was a repeat of last year's finals where Githurai All Stars met and defeated Kawasaki in the finals.
The match kicked off with a fast paced speed which was punctuated by a tale of miser chances in the opening minutes.
In the 17th minute, Sedrin Achweya blasted the ball past Githurai goalkeeper Ishmael Otieno after Hector Madegwa controlled a cross into his feet.
Ten minutes later, Madegwa was on the mark for Kawasaki by looping the ball over Githurai goalkeeper but was ruled offside to the relief of the defending champions.
Part of action between Githurai All Stars and Kawasaki at Dandora Stadium on Friday/HANDOUT
Robert Sande of Kawasaki was given the first yellow card of the game for a dangerous tackle on Kennedy Odhiambo in the 61st minute, causing the match to turn physical.
As a result of the tackle, Odhiambo was injured and had to be carried off the field; Douglas Nyaosi took his place.
In the 77th minute, Lennon Amugoza was sent off with a straight red card for using foul language against the referee, reducing Kawasaki to ten men.
Kawasaki's fate was sealed in the 82nd minute when Hasan Masoud scored from a goal mouth melee from a corner to keep Githurai's title before the dust settled.
Kawasaki accepted the Sh2 million designated for the runners-up, while Githurai received the Sh3 million winner's prize money.
In a post match interview, Githurai All Stars captain Kelvin Njuguna said it was unbelievable that they fought from behind to win.
"That goal scared us but we got composed and took the game to their half and that's why we won," he said.
Njuguna praised God for the victory and stated that it will inspire them to take on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) division 2 league.
Garang Maingi, the manager of the Kawasaki team, acknowledged the outcome and declared that they would live to fight another day.
Awards Most Valuable player: Robert Sunday (Kawasaki).
Most Promising player Jermaine Mukhatia (Shauri Moyo United).
Best Goalkeeper: Ishmael Otieno (Githurai All Stars)
Best fan base: Shauri Moyo United.
