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Maseno school has shone at the Kisumu County boys football finals after thrashing Agai mixed 1-0 in a tactical game.
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The win came after the final was re-scheduled from Onjiko High School (their county home) to Moi Stadium -Kisumu and finally to Chavakali Boys (in Vihiga county), following security concerns raised by the organizers.
Maseno School stunned Agai Mixed Secondary school in boys football finals by thrashing them 1-0 to emerge Kisumu County boys’ football champions.
The win came after the final was re-scheduled from Onjiko High School (their county home) to Moi Stadium -Kisumu and finally to Chavakali Boys (in Vihiga county), following security concerns raised by the organizers.
The final had been slated for Saturday at Onjiko grounds, but was moved to Monday following near – chaotic scenes witnessed on Friday.
The organizers attributed the decision to move the finals, to protecting players, teachers and officials.
In the first half, Maseno players, fondly known as the Equator Boys, moved the ball with confidence , defended with courage producing quality football witnessed during the thrilling encounter.
In the 31st minute, Maseno’s John Rebson made a tactical move past Agai’s midfield before passing the ball to unmarked Farouz Oyondi who found the decisive moment, let a powerful shot into the goal, leaving the Agai goalkeeper stupefied; a goal that separated the two sides as Maseno fans burst into celebration with wild cheers.
In the second half, and despite displaying a solid defence, Agai’s midfield and forwards struggled, with frequent misplaced passes, errors that Maseno capitalized on, to punish them and largely control the game Ball possession stood at 55%-45% in favour of Maseno School.
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The match that had been largely anticipated to be void of spectators ironically attracted masses from all walks of life as the sidelines remained packed throughout the game.
Equally, the game was not without memorable scenes when a Chavakali student made quite a spectacle, capturing the attention of both players and supporters alike, with a poster boldly inscribed ‘Respect Maseno. Perserverance shall win through.’ The message quickly became part of the afternoon theatre, prompting cheerful chants from the jubilant crowds. “It’s perseverance that wins, not appeals.” Some were heard chanting.
When the final whistle went, it was jubilation, song and dance as the Maseno School staff and supporters rushed to the players to congratulate them, while carrying the goal scorer (Ferouz) shoulder high.
The solitary goal made Maseno School be crowned this year’s Kisumu County football boys’ champions, a sweet victory that had remained elusive for a staggering 13years.
Equally admirable was the sportsmanship displayed by Agai’s football coach Akoko. Despite the defeat, the coach, who doubles up as the school’s principal, walked into the celebrating crowd, greeting players, officials and supporters with a smile – his move reminding everyone that football is at its best when competition is matched with respect.
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Meanwhile, St Mary’s Yala was crowned this year’s Siaya County football champions after winning their re-scheduled finals played away from their home county due to security concerns.
Yala lifted the County’s Boys’ football title after thrashing Nyagondo 3-0 in an entertaining match played at the Maseno School grounds in Kisumu .
The finals had been slated for Saturday at the KMTC Siaya Grounds, but were moved following chaotic scenes witnessed on Thursday.
Yala made a bright start when Edwin Otieno scored the first goal of the match in the 43rd minute, giving his team an early lead.
Washington Ouma doubled the lead in the 75th minute, as Yala drew closer to the coveted title.
In the 83rd minute, Nyagondo’s hopes suffered a major blow when their goalkeeper was sent off after a dangerous high tackle on Yala’s Nyakiwa inside the penalty area. Charles David calmly converted the penalty, sending the substitute goalkeeper the wrong way to seal Yala’s convincing victory 3-0.
However, Nyagondo did not go down without a fight. Despite the humiliating defeat, the team displayed a spirited fight throughout the match, sending a clear signal that they will be a force to reckon with in the coming months.
By Peter Amos Mzee and Erick Ochanjo.
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