Former Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) champions St Anthony’s Boys High Kitale launched their title quest on a high note edging out holders Musingu High in a scintillating Group B match.
The Rift Valley and Western hockey rivalry played out as this year’s Brookside Secondary Schools National Term One games entered day two in Machakos. Billed as the final before the final, the crowd pulling match played at Machakos University would see hockey enthusiasts remain on their toes rallying behind their sides.
Kevin Odhiambo’s 54th minute goal was enough to see St Anthony’s exert revenge on Musingu who beat them by the same margin last year to snatch the national trophy.
St Anthony’s Boys outplayed Musingu in all aspects of the game but failed to make their chances count. St Anthony’s christened Les Titans would pin the Lions of Musingu in their own half for the better part of the match denying them any chances of scoring.
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While Les Titans failed to convert their numerous penalty corners, the Lions struggled and we’re forced to play defensively only securing one penalty corner in the second half. St Anthony’s Coach Kelvin Lugalia said that the boys cannot celebrate the victory because they must remain focused. “It’s a good start but we can’t celebrate until we get the job done. We are focusing on one match at a time and will continue doing so until we achieve our objectives,” Lugalia said.
In Group A, Nairobi School edged out Meru School from Eastern Region 2-1 to increase their chances of advancing to the semi-finals. After conceding an early goal, Nairobi rallied from behind scoring two quick goals in the second half to seal the win. Meru took the lead in the sixth minute though Josphat Vundi. They protected their lead to go the breather with a one goal advantage.
Nonetheless, a half-time pep talk from Nairobi School coach Frederick Odhiambo proved effective with Clinton Atei equalising in the 32nd minute. David Mutua added a second goal two minutes later to give the city boys the lead. Knowing that victory was within their reach, Nairobi played well ensuring that they sealed the victory.
In the girls’ contest, defending champions Nyamira Girls High from Nyanza gave former holders Pangani Girls from Nairobi a rude welcome to the game routing them 4-0 in their opening Group A tie. Vivian Ateks was on spot twice for the East Africa champions while Laureen Auma and Amanda Wamalwa scored one goal each. St Joseph’s Girls High School Kitale from Rift Valley won their opening Group B encounter against Central’s Mpesa Academy. Tracy Korir and Mary Adhiambo scored one goal each for St Joseph’s Kitale.
By Education News
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