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In a pulse-pounding finale in Luanda, the kings of Vihiga grassroots football proved their mettle once again, surviving a late scare to claim a record third Harold Mbati Champions Cup.
It wasn’t just a victory; it was a coronation. When the final whistle pierced the air in Luanda, it signaled more than just the end of a match—it confirmed the establishment of a genuine grassroots dynasty. Original All-Stars FC have done the unthinkable, lifting the Harold Mbati Champions Cup (HMCC) for a record third time after a breathless 3–2 victory over a resilient Kima United.
For the thousands of fans who packed the sidelines—from boda boda riders to local market traders—this was the footballing climax of the year. The 2025 grand finale delivered on every promise, offering a chaotic, beautiful display of attacking football that left the crowd in Vihiga County breathless.
The stakes could not have been higher. Entering the fourth edition of this annual showpiece, Original All-Stars carried the heavy burden of expectation. They were not just participants; they were the team to beat. Their journey to the podium was anything but smooth, having navigated a minefield of 38 spirited teams drawn from five wards across Luanda Constituency: Luanda Township, Emabungo, Wemilabi, Mwibona, and Luanda South.
"This tournament is about more than football; it is about the heartbeat of our community," noted a tournament organizer. "To see 38 teams compete and one team rise to the top three times in four years is a testament to their discipline and hunger."
The match itself was a tactical tug-of-war that exploded into a goal-fest. Kima United, who had narrowly edged out Epang’a United in the semi-finals, came into the match with a reputation for grit. However, they found themselves on the back foot against an All-Stars attack that had previously dismantled Bungo Wolves.
The 3–2 scoreline reflects a game of razor-thin margins. While All-Stars controlled much of the tempo, Kima United refused to roll over, turning the dying minutes into a siege. Yet, the champions held firm, proving that their experience in high-pressure finals is their greatest asset.
Beyond the 90 minutes, the HMCC has evolved into a critical economic and social engine for Luanda Constituency. In a region where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, tournaments like these provide not just entertainment, but a pathway. They keep young men engaged, fit, and focused, steering them away from social vices.
Patron Harold Mbati’s vision has birthed a platform where raw talent is polished. Local analysts emphasize that for the sustainment of such tournaments, continued investment is non-negotiable. As the dust settles on the 2025 edition, the question isn't just who can beat Original All-Stars, but how many future national stars are currently lacing up their boots on these very pitches.
"We are seeing the fruits of consistency," a local fan remarked post-match. "Original All-Stars are the standard, and now everyone else knows how high the bar is set for 2026."
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