School Games: Giants tumble as dark horses punch football semis slots

Kakamega, making their return to the national stage after an eight-year hiatus, reached the last four by sweeping Group B with nine points while Menengai scraped into the semis via a head-to-head rule.

Menengai and St. Mary’s Yala advanced from Pool A after finishing tied on six points alongside Highway Secondary School, who were eliminated on the tie-breaker rule.

Menengai only qualified for the national championships after Rift Valley champions Tenwek High School were disqualified over age-cheating allegations.

The second boys' semifinal features St. Mary's Yala, who are chasing their maiden national title, taking on surprise package Takaba Mixed Secondary School, the first team from the North Eastern Region to reach the national football semifinals.

St Mary’s Yala Principal Victor Makanda credited his team's remarkable journey to a long-term development plan launched in 2023 in the school.

“This is the first time in our school's history that we have reached this stage. When we started in 2023, we didn't know we would make it to the national championships, but we kept believing because most of the players were in Form One. We knew that if they stayed together, they would mature into a strong team,” said Makanda.

“We were eliminated at the regional level in 2023, exited at the county semifinals the following year, and again fell short at the regional level last year. This year, however, we achieved what many thought was impossible. In our maiden appearance at the nationals, we are already in the semi finals.”

Takaba finished second in Group B with six points, knocking out Eastern region's Tumaini High School and hosts Baricho High School.

A new boys' football champion will be crowned this year following the elimination of holders St. Joseph's Boys High School during the Trans Nzoia County games.

In the girls' contest, Nyakach Girls High School will take on Raila Educational Centre in the first semifinal after topping Group B with a commanding 20-0 victory over Central region representatives Kiaritha High School in the last preliminary match on Tuesday.

The second semifinal pits former champions Archbishop Njenga Girls High School against St. Joseph's Girls High School (JOGA), Kitale.

JOGA head coach Francis Ojilo praised his players' resilience after they fought back from behind to secure the qualifying point.

"We were under pressure because both teams had three points, and we knew we only needed to avoid defeat. The girls showed great character to fight back for the draw that sent us to the semifinals."

"We must remain disciplined because one mistake could cost us. I've told the girls not to panic whether on or off the ball. If we concede early, emotions can affect the game, so tomorrow's match will require patience and composure," he added.

Captain Linah Cherop reaffirmed that the team are ready for the task ahead.

"It was a difficult match because we conceded first, but I encouraged my teammates to keep pushing. We eventually equalised, and now we're in the semifinals. We are ready for the next match because our goal is to reach the final and lift the trophy."

In the boys' volleyball semifinals, Group A winners Chepsaita will face Group B runners-up Matiliku (Eastern region), while Group B toppers Chesamis take on Group A runners-up Masara.

In the final preliminary matches, Masara defeated Kiambaa 3-1 (25-17, 19-25, 25-10, 25-21), Chepsaita swept Furaha (25-6, 25-5, 25-7), and Chesamis beat Matiliku 3-1 (25-12, 16-25, 25-17, 25-20).

In the girls' category, Mwitoti clash with Soweto in the first semifinal, while Kesogon lock horns with defending champions Kwanthanze Secondary in the second.

Kwanthanze booked their spot by brushing aside Wajir in straight sets (25-7, 25-2, 25-10) on Tuesday.

Mwitoti marched on to the semis with a 3-0 victory over Kahuro, Soweto edged Aluor 3-2 in a five-set thriller, and Kesogon completed the line up with a straight-sets win over Mwanambeyu.

With national final spots on the line, the stage is set for a high-stakes day of action as Kenya's top young athletes battle for KSSSA glory in Thika.