Football and frenzy collided at the Giles Stadium in Mumias as Butere Girls High School sealed a third consecutive KSSSA National Girls’ Football title with a 1–0 win over Madira Girls—after the final was dramatically disrupted by crowd unrest and teargas.
Butere took the lead in the first half courtesy of a clinical finish by Metrine Kitiavi, whose goal turned out to be the match-winner.
The game was poised for an exciting finish. Still, in the 77th minute, chaos erupted in the packed stadium as fans surged past barriers in an attempt to get closer to the pitch.
Police responded by lobbing teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Unfortunately, the gas drifted onto the field, affecting players and officials.
Several students were seen coughing and disoriented as first aid teams rushed to assist.
In a tense few minutes, the game was stopped. Nelson Sifuna, Head of Field Coordination and Co-curricular Activities at the Ministry of Education, stepped onto the pitch with a loudspeaker to calm the agitated crowd.
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“Tafadhali tunaomba msamaha… tunaomba wote mtulie,” he pleaded (Please, we sincerely apologise… we ask everyone to remain calm).
After a brief suspension and medical attention to affected individuals, officials cleared the field and the match resumed under tighter security.
The remaining minutes were played without further incident, and Butere Girls were declared 1–0 winners, lifting the trophy to a thunderous ovation.
The winning side included key performers like Christine Adhiambo in goal, Diana Anyango and Celestine Aludo in defence, and match-winner Metrine Kitiavi, who once again proved her value in the final.
Madira Girls, Vihiga County representatives, put up a brave fight but couldn’t break through Butere’s disciplined backline.
The match served as a rematch of the regional final earlier in the term, with Butere prevailing once more.
In the third-place playoff, Nasokol Girls defeated Kobala Girls in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular time, securing the bronze medal in the competition.
With the national crown now in their cabinet for the third year running, Butere Girls will turn their attention to the East Africa Secondary School Games (FEASSA), which will also be held in Kakamega County later this month, where they will represent Kenya as the reigning champions.
By Joseph Mambili
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