Kisii School slap down All Saints to scent elusive national title

With semi-finalists having already booked tickets for this year’s Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association, FEASSSA, set for Kakamega County in August, the stage is set for champions to be crowned on Saturday.

Rugby 15s will have a new champion after Kisii School went for the jugular and demolished holders All Saints Embu 12-3 to book a final slot against Vihiga High School.

Vihiga scraped into the final with a 10-8 win over former champions Upper Hill, who were yearning for a fruitful return after a seven year-drought of the national glory since triumphing in 2018.

Kisii School showed great character and resilience, lifting All Saints off their feet with a huge uppercut that has sent shockwaves through the sport, to move within sight of the elusive national title.

The Nyanza champions displayed tactical discipline and determination, converting three penalties in the first half to take a 9-0 lead into halftime.

Despite a spirited comeback by All Saints, who managed to score a penalty early in the second half, Kisii sealed the game with a final penalty in the closing minutes to secure a 12-3 victory, storming the final for the first time.

Kisii head coach Carlos Magara was brimming with confidence after the win, warning they have finally broken the underdog tag.

“We were focused and that’s why the win came. We’re heading to the finals with our heads held high — it’s ours to lose now,” said Magara.

“We started this tournament at our lowest, especially with our attacking, but we’ve fixed that, and you can see how ready our boys are now.”

A mouthwatering final looms as Kisii School seek to avenge their 11-9 group stage loss to Vihiga High School.

In the girls’ basketball category, reigning champions Butere Girls dominated their semi-final with a commanding 62-35 win to inch closer to a historic three-peat.

They prevailed in all four quarters-11-6, 20-7, 14-14, and 18-8 — to book their place in the final.

Head coach Sylvester Dindi expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.

“We’re happy to be one step away from defending our title. The weather wasn’t on our side, but we adapted well. We’re home now and ready to face Kaya Tiwi.”

The holders face former champions Kaya Tiwi who earned their final slot after defeating St Joseph’s Kitale 60-42 in the other semi-final.

Kaya Tiwi head coach Ali Juma vowed to keep the title in the region as they seek to reclaim the national glory they lost in 2022.

“It was a tough match — the only one where we didn’t cross 100 points — but our focus is now on the finals. We are going all in for the win.”

In the boys’ category, holders Dr Aggrey survived a scare against determined Lukenya School, rallying from behind to secure a 70-66 victory.

The Coast champions renew rivalry with multiple national champions Leiser Hill of Kajiado County, who edged out Dagoretti High in a nail-biting 85-83 semi-final.

The two sides clashed in the semi-finals of last year’s edition in Machakos where Dr. Aggrey won 65-58 to qualify for the final which they won against Agoro Sare.

In girls' handball, Kamusinga cruised past Kadika 23-14, while St Joseph thrashed Dagoretti 32-16. The final will see Kamusinga square off with St Joseph.

Boys' handball saw Kamito edge Manyatta 28-26 in a tight contest while champions Kimilili dominated Highway 21-14 to set up a thrilling final.

In the girls’ hockey, St. Joseph’s Kitale will clash with Tigoi Girls in the final. St. Joseph’s beat Ng’iya Girls 2-0 while Tigoi Girls edged Mwiki 1-0.

In the boys' hockey semi-finals, St. Anthony's Kitale delivered a solid performance, defeating Mpesa Academy 3-1 in the first semi-final.

In the second semi-final, Musingu dominated St. Charles Lwanga with a convincing 4-0 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive strength.

The stage is now set for an exciting final showdown between St. Anthony's Kitale and Musingu.