10-man Highway Clinches National Boys’ Football Championship in Thrilling Finale

Highway Secondary School has emerged as the new Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national boys' champions after a thrilling 3-2 victory in post-match penalties against Musingu High School at Gusii Stadium, Kisii. The finals were intensely competitive, with the match ultimately being decided by a tense penalty shootout.

The teams could only manage a 1-1 draw in regular time, and even extra time couldn’t separate the two sides. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Highway’s custodian, Boaz Muchiri, emerged as the hero of the day, saving two spot-kicks and leading his team to victory and the national trophy.

Musingu High took the lead for the first time in the match in the 11th minute with a goal from Elvis Ochieng, also known as Kante. However, Highway responded swiftly, equalising eight minutes later with a strike from Alvin Oloo. The match remained tied at 1-1, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout to determine the winner.

During the penalty shootout, Musingu’s Kevin Manani missed by hitting the crossbar. Highway scored through Aroko, Luis Ochieng, and Tony Ochieng, while Musingu’s Stanley Nelson and Harrison Amalemba successfully converted their penalties. Despite a hard-fought effort from Musingu, Highway clinched the championship when Soya made a crucial save on the final penalty.

East African Miss

The match was highly tactical, especially after Highway’s captain, Miguel Osotsi, was sent off for an early shower, reducing his team to 10 men during extra time. Beldine Odemba, known for her work with the Harambee Starlets, made the necessary adjustments to the team’s strategy to effectively manage playing with one man down.

"We came for a mission; we have accomplished it. I want to thank God," said an elated Odemba. "After winning the Nairobi Region title, we promised to secure the title for the zone and the region, and we did. It was quite challenging to lose a player to a red card, but we pushed the boys to fill in the gap with extra effort."

Odemba also disclosed that she would be unable to participate in the East African Games slated for Uganda at the end of the month due to her commitments with Police Bullets for the Cecafa Women's Championship. However, she has faith in her assistant, Ocholla, to lead the team effectively in Uganda.

Butere Retain

In other matches, St. Joseph Boys secured their place in the East Africa championship event by defeating Kirangari 6-0 in the third-place playoff. Rickson Simiyu scored twice, Instin Simiyu added a hat-trick, and Steve Munika contributed to the victory.

Meanwhile, Butere Girls successfully defended their national football ladies title with a 2-0 win over Nyakach Girls. Lorna Faith scored in the 19th minute, and Mercyline Matseshe added the second from the penalty spot in the 74th minute. St. Joseph Girls also secured their spot at the East Africa championship after narrowly defeating Kombani 1-0 in the third-place playoff, with team skipper Miriam Silali scoring the decisive goal in the 51st minute.

As the teams prepare for their regional competitions, Kenya will have its eyes on Highway Secondary School, Butere Girls, and other representatives as they head to the East African Games.

Featured Image: Leejay Sheikhspear on Facebook