KSSSA: Kisumu Boys Opt Out of Fierce Derby Final against City Rivals Kisumu Day

Drama unfolded at the Moi Stadium on Sunday after the much-anticipated Kisumu Central Sub-County football final between Kisumu Day High School and Kisumu Boys High School failed to kick off.

A capacity crowd that had filled the stadium in anticipation of a thrilling encounter was left disappointed when Kisumu Boys failed to show up, citing they are not ready to play at Moi Stadium which is a stone throw away from Kisumu Day High School.

The two schools had qualified for the 2025 KSSSA Kisumu County Championships, meaning Kisumu Central Sub-County will be represented by both institutions.

However, tensions flared after Kisumu Boys filed a complaint on the morning of the final, refusing to honor the fixture at Moi Stadium despite the change of venue being communicated a day earlier.

The Sub-County Director of Education, Charles Ang'iela, had moved the final to Moi Stadium as a precautionary measure following heightened security concerns. This decision came after violence erupted at Kisumu Boys High School Grounds during the Milimani Zonal finals earlier in the week.

In that match, Kisumu Day defeated Kisumu Boys 4 – 3 in post-match penalty shootouts after they played a barren draw in regular time, prompting post-match chaos similar to incidents witnessed in previous years.

Despite the administrative efforts to ensure a neutral and safe venue, Kisumu Boys did not appear for the final, effectively handing Kisumu Day a walkover.

Kisumu Day booked their place in the final with a dominant 7-0 thrashing of Bishop Abiero Secondary School. Brighton Simidi and Felix Kibet each scored a brace, while Born Okoth, Barvon Omondi, and Samuel Miya also found the net in a one-sided contest.

In the second semi-final, Kisumu Boys narrowly edged past Magadi Secondary School. After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, Kisumu Boys triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout, thanks to a crucial late penalty save by their goalkeeper.