School Games: Kibet double sinks Dagoretti as St Anthony seal glory

Aldrine Kibet hit a superb double as St Anthony Boys, Kitale swept to a sixth national football title after defeating Dagoretti High 2-0 during Saturday’s final in Kakamega County.

Mammoth crowds rarely seen at Kenyan football matches have been the order of the day at the ongoing National School Games and this particular contest was by far the biggest draw.

The Bukhungu Stadium was packed to capacity with parts of the pitch area invaded by the fans who were treated to quality football all round and, on the day, the brilliance of Kibet.

The boy that hauled St Anthony into the final with a decisive goal against Shanderema stepped up again on the big occasion to lead the Solidarity Boys to glory.

Dagoretti were pushed back into their own half right from the off as the opposition made a blistering start with Kibet and Javan Omondi at the heart of everything.

After twice coming close, the Solidarity Boys went in front after a sweeping move from the left flank with Kibet arriving late into the box to slot home with a placed finish.

They seemed to play on a slightly higher level with Dagoretti never really getting a hold of the game, allowing their rivals to dominate over long spells.

It ended 1-0 at half time and St Anthony continued to step on the gas after the restart, forcing Dagoretti to remain deep in their own third.

A second for St Anthony had seemed imminent for majority of the second half and it finally arrived in stunning fashion.

After collecting the ball from the left side of midfield, Kibet took a touch to control and set himself up outside the box before unleashing a pile-driver for cracking finish.  

It was all over for Dagoretti at that point with just three minutes left on the clock as Kibet set off celebrations for the Solidarity Boys faithful.

Earlier on, Kelly Madada was on fire netting a sublime header and assisting one to help hosts Shanderema thump Agoro Sare to cruise to East African Championships.

Shanderema starred Infront of their home fans, putting in one of their greatest performances of their lifetime to grab the precious spot in their maiden appearance.

The hosts who had to do without captain Mark Shaban in the national championships will be hoping to welcome back their Starman in Rwanda.

Kenya will have three teams representing them in the regional championships to be held later this month in Huye, Rwanda.