Kenyan teams record impressive results as FEASSSA games start in Kakamega

Kenyan teams recorded impressive results on Day One as the 22nd edition of the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games got underway in Kakamega yesterday.

In boys' rugby 15s, debutants and national champions Vihiga narrowly overcame Uganda’s Namilyango College 20-15 in a game played at the Bull Ring in Kakamega.

Vihiga coach Abubakar Abdalla admitted that the match was tough. “We made some technical mistakes, but we thank God for the hard-fought win. It’s a good start for us as we set our sights on lifting the FEASSA trophy,” said Abdalla.

In the second game, Kenya’s other representatives, Upper Hill School, came from behind to beat Uganda’s Jinja Secondary 26-19. Victor Wangwe said, “It was a tough game. The first game is not always easy, and we are taking the game at a time. I expect equally tough games.”

Kisii School made a dream debut in rugby 15's after thrashing Uganda’s King's College 34-12. Kisii School coach Edwin Morara said, “From the beginning, I said we are prepared to win the East Africa trophy, and I believe we can go all the way.”

In boys’ football, Uganda’s Buddo upset compatriots and regional champions Amus College 1-0, while Bukedea Comprehensive School humbled 14-time champions St. Mary’s Kitende 2-1 at Kakamega Rehabilitation Centre.

In girls’ football, Madira played to a barren draw against Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim, while Nasokol held Alliance from Tanzania to a barren draw.

Kobala settled for a 1-1 draw against Tanzania’s giants, Fountain Gate at Kakamega High. National champions Butere and Amus College from Uganda battled to a barren draw. 

In girls’ hockey, debutants Ng’iya held East Africa champions St Joseph’s, Kitale, to a barren draw in the opening game while national champions Tigoi sent a strong warning to their rivals after a 9-0 win over Uganda’s Bweranyangi.

Tigoi led 5-0 at the break, with Lavender Philly and Diana Namachanja scoring four times each for Tigoi, with Tracy Ilavusa adding one. Debutants Mwiki defeated Namagunga from Uganda 4-2.

In the boys’ category, St Anthony’s Kitale narrowly beat debutants M-Pesa Foundation Academy 2-1 at Mukumu Boys. Kevin Onyango and Collins Kimutai scored for the Saints, while Howard Mark scored M-Pesa’s consolation. 

Uganda’s Kakungulu Memorial upset regional and national champions Musingu School 1-0. Aaron Opio scored the all-important goal for the former regional champions. Elsewhere, St Charles Lwanga narrowly beat Mbarara High, Uganda, 2-1.

In girls’ basketball, holders, St Noa beat Kenya’s Kaya Tiwi 68-55 in a thrilling opener as Kenya’s three-time champions, Butere, beat Rwanda’s Gahini 68-49.

In the boys’ category, Dr Aggrey from Kenya humbled Seeta H.S A Level Campus 64-41 at Kakamega Police Canteen, while Lukenya Academy saw off Uganda’s St Cyprian 54-49.

Regional girls’ volleyball champions Kesogon Mixed and national champions Kwanthanze started their campaign on a winning note. Kesogon defeated Tororo 3-0 (25-0, 25-6, 25-13) while Kwanthanze easily beat Tanzania’s Kajunjumele in straight sets.

 In the boys’ category, defending champions St Luc beat debutants Mwaluphamba from Kenya 3-1 (25-21, 25-19, 27-29, 15-10). In netball, defending champions St. Mary’ Kitende beat Kenya’s Oyugi Ogango 39-34  at Masinde Murilo University.

In boys’ handball, Kenya’s Kamito and Mbogo from Uganda played to a 28-28 draw while Highway defeated Rwanda’s Kigoma 30-21. Bombo Army from Uganda beat Tanzania’s Kimondo 30-23.

In the girls’ category, Kenya’s powerhouses St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale started their hunt for the title with a 33-25 win over Kibuli from Uganda, while Dagoretti Mixed lost 35-20 against Uganda’s Kawanda.