FESSSA: JOGA Claim Girls' 7s Title After Thrilling Victory Over Kinale Secondary

St. Joseph's Girls High School - Kitale 'JOGA' are the new Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) girl's rugby 7s champions, after beating their Kenyan counterparts Kinale Secondary School from Kiambu County 8-5 in an intense final held in Mbale, Uganda.

Joga emerged victorious over Kinale Girls with a dramatic sudden death win, clinching the title in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The game started with Joga taking an early lead, thanks to a powerful try by Esther Wanyonyi in the first half to give them a decisive 5-0 lead at halftime, setting the tone for a tough and competitive match.

However, the first half wasn't without its challenges. Venesa Valarie of Joga was handed a sin-bin, reducing Joga to six players and putting them under immense pressure.

Despite being down a player, Joga's defense held strong, preventing Kinale Girls from capitalizing on the advantage.

The second half was a tense affair, with both teams fighting for control. Just when it seemed like Joga would hold onto their slim lead, Sheldon Njeri of Kinale Girls broke through the defense after the hooter had already sounded, scoring a crucial try to level the score at 5-5 and forcing the game into sudden death.

In the sudden death period, both teams were desperate to score, but it was Joga who seized the opportunity.

A penalty in their favor allowed Sarah Nafula to step up and kick the ball through the posts, sealing an 08-05 victory for the Kenyan champions.

St Joseph edged Kijjabwemi from Uganda 17-07 in the semis while Kinale defeated Nkoma also from Uganda 22-07 to book a ticket to the finals.

Both teams had earlier met at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association finals in Kisii where St Joseph's emerged winner.