Defending champions St Joseph’s Girls Kitale will face compatriots Ng’iya Girls in the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) hockey final, guaranteeing Kenya both gold and silver medals in the girls’ and boys’ categories.
St Joseph’s are chasing a third consecutive regional title, while Ng’iya Girls will be appearing in their first FEASSA final.
The two sides met in the group stage, with St Joseph’s edging Ng’iya 1-0 in a closely contested encounter.
The two-time champions, backed by their Chief Principal Rosebella Orwaru, produced a dominant second-half display on Wednesday to beat former champions Kakungulu Memorial 5-1 and book their place in the final.
Kakungulu took an early lead through Mercy Atimango three minutes into the match, but Cherish Wafula restored parity in the 23rd minute to leave the sides level 1-1 at halftime.
St Joseph’s then shifted gears after the break, with Shanel Imisa scoring twice, while Jael Nelima and Christine Omondi added a goal each at Forest Hill Secondary.
Ng’iya Girls secured their place in the final after overcoming Nyanza rivals Nyamira Girls 2-1 in a penalty-flick shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Ng’iya coach Edwin Otieno hailed his players for overcoming a familiar opponent.
“It was a tough match. It’s always a 50-50 game when we meet Nyamira Girls, but we are happy we are triumphant.”
Otieno is now hoping to end Ng’iya’s FEASSA trophy drought when they face St Joseph’s in the final.
“We played St Joseph’s in the group stage but lost 1-0. We dominated the entire game, but we were unlucky. We are ready to face them again in the final.”
Nyamira coach Stephen Kigai said his side would now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against Kakungulu Memorial, whom they narrowly beat 1-0 in the group stage.
“It’s disappointing to lose. We now turn our focus to the third-place play against Kakungulu,” said Kigai.
The boys’ final will also be an all-Kenyan affair, pitting six-time regional and national champions St Anthony’s Kitale against Friends School Kamusinga.
St Anthony’s Les Titans dethroned defending champions Kakungulu Memorial 3-0 in a penalty shootout after the teams had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Peter Wachira, Isaac Okoth and Onyango converted for St Anthony’s, while goalkeeper Wamalwa Kisaka was the hero after saving all three of Kakungulu’s attempts.
Coach Kelvin Lugalia praised his players for overcoming a strong Kakungulu side.
“It was a tough match because Kakungulu are a very strong side who were out to defend their title. In the final, the pressure is not high because as a country we have already recaptured the trophy from Uganda,” said Lugalia.
Kamusinga edged Uganda’s Ntare School 1-0 in the other semi-final, with Festus Awily scoring the decisive goal.
Coach Godfrey Mulei is now hoping his team can complete the job in the final.
“It’s our prayer to take the trophy home. This is the result of the efforts we have put into building the team over the years as a school.”
