Kanga High and Kobala
won the boys and girls football titles respectively after beating their respective opponents in the Airtel Rising Stars Nyanza region secondary schools Term ‘2A’ Games, which ended yesterday at Homa Bay High School.
In the men’s final, Kanga edged St Ignatius Royola, Magadi 1-0 in the final with captain Clifford Otieno scoring the all important goal in the 28th minute of the extra time through a penalty after Nick Odipo was brought down in the box. Kanga, enjoying the support of local fans, dominated the match and would have won in regular time but squandered several chances.
Earlier in the day, Magadi, the Kisumu County champions eliminated East Africa champions Barding 4-3 in on post-match penalties in their semi-final match after playing to a barren draw during regular and extra time. Magadi coach Derrick Oliech was gracious in defeat. “The boys played their hearts out. It is not easy for young boys to play two games up to extra time within six hours. We will come back strong next season,” said Oliech.
His Kanga counterpart Dick Obure shed tears of joy when the final whistle was blown. “This title has eluded us narrowly for the last four years. I’m very happy and I owe this to the principal Michael Ogweno and the school management for the support they have given us,” he said.
Barding settled for the third place after beating Siaya County rivals Got Agulu 1-0. In the girls’ category, 2015 champions Kobala captained by Yvonne Ogada regained their title after a hard fought 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over last year’s winners Nyakach. The teams drew 0-0 during regular and extra time.
During the dramatic shoot-out, Ogada, Maximilla Robi and Evane Akinyi scored for Kobala while the lone spot kick for Nyakach was scored by Mercy Akoth.
In an interview, an elated Ogada said the team is targeting to lift the national trophy. “We are going to Nyeri to lift the trophy. That is the only trophy we have not won having lost to Wiyeta in 2015 in the finals,” said the form four student. Kobala coach Bernard Akeyo said the game was tough. “It was a 50-50 affair, which would have gone either way. Nyakach are an experienced team but we emerged victorious because it was our day,” said Akeyo.
Sengera SDA (boys) and Sega (girls) retained their volleyball titles. Sega, captained by Jane Agaya beat Sengera SDA 3-1 (25-11, 20-25, 25-18, 25-14) to retain the trophy. Sega coach John Duro said he is now targeting the national title. “Sengera are good side and they gave us a good game. We are now going for the national title,” said Duro.
Sengera SDA retained their boys’ title after victories over Chianda and Oruba Mixed. In the game against Oruba, Sengera won 3-1 (25-23, 14-25, 25-10, 25-11). On Wednesday, Sengera beat Chianda 3-1. The boys volleyball was played on league basis after three teams were disqualified for fielding ineligible players.
The winning teams will represent the region at the Airtel Rising Stars national championship to be held in Nyeri as from July 2 to 9.