Highway edge Upper Hill to retain Nairobi football crown after dramatic shoot-out

The victory secured Highway a third consecutive regional title and booked their place at the national championships, scheduled to be held in Thika later this month. The triumph also underlined the class of the 2024 national champions, who once again held their nerve when it mattered most.

In a fiercely contested final packed with drama and controversy, neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation or extra time. Highway eventually prevailed from the spot, with goalkeeper Fred Gekapa emerging as the hero after saving two penalties to seal a memorable victory.

Despite creating several clear-cut chances, Highway were once again wasteful in front of goal as Upper Hill's resolute defence kept their attackers at bay. Although they eventually lifted the trophy, the Beldine Odemba-coached side will feel they had enough opportunities to settle the contest before penalties.

The match was also overshadowed by a series of contentious refereeing decisions, particularly in the closing stages.

One of the most disputed incidents came in the dying moments of normal time when Highway's Ian Inziza appeared to have scored what looked like the winning goal. Although the ball seemed to cross the line before being cleared, the referee ruled that it had not fully crossed.

Another flashpoint involved a dangerous challenge on Athman Yusuf just outside the penalty area. Highway's technical bench believed the offence warranted a red card, but the referee allowed play to continue.

"I don't want to talk about the officiating today. The referee can watch the game and judge for himself. I cannot blame him because we are all human, and sometimes we make mistakes," assistant coach Duncan Mwaura told reporters.

Mwaura, who also serves as an assistant coach with Kenya's Under-23 national team, praised his players for their resilience and shifted focus to the national championships.

"The boys have done well today. We came prepared and achieved our target. We are not going to let our fans down at the national championships. Our aim is to qualify for the East Africa Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, and bring the title home."

In the girls' football final, Raila Education Centre comfortably defeated Soweto Academy 2-0 to claim the regional title.

Upper Hill reclaim Rugby Sevens crown

The Rugby Sevens competition also delivered thrilling action as Upper Hill produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Nairobi School 35-14 and reclaim the regional title they surrendered to Lenana School last year.

Upper Hill made a flying start when Godwin Odhiambo crossed for an early try before converting to give his side a 7-0 lead.

However, Nairobi School, popularly known as The Patch, responded impressively with two converted tries to take a 14-7 lead into the half-time break.

Upper Hill returned a transformed side after the interval. Raymond Maranga sparked the comeback with a brilliant individual try, weaving through The Patch's defence before Odhiambo converted to level the scores.

Stanley Omondi then crossed moments later, with Odhiambo adding another conversion to hand Upper Hill a 21-14 advantage.

Ian Otieno and Samuel David completed the scoring with Upper Hill's fourth and fifth tries, while Wellingtone Ratila converted the final score to complete a commanding 35-14 victory.

Head coach Newton Mose praised his team's character after overturning the first-half deficit.

"The boys really stepped up, and our defence won us the game. We never panicked despite trailing in the first half because we are used to fighting back. Our aim is to carry this form into the national championships and win the title," said Mose.

Upper Hill will now look to complete a national rugby double after winning the Rugby 15s title in Kisumu in April.

In the girls' Rugby Sevens final, Mbagathi Girls overwhelmed Karen C 24-0 to lift the regional crown.

The regional champions will represent Nairobi at the KSSSA National Games, which will be held from 28 July to 1 August at M-Pesa Academy in Thika.