St. Johns (left) and Olympics in action in girls’ football on Thursday. PHOTO/Courtesy
MACHAKOS, July 30 –Kisumu Day are through to the semis of the Airtel Rising Stars boy’s football national finals after silencing St. Anthony 2-0 at Machakos Academy on Thursday.
Kisumu who subsequently won Pool A after prevailing in the top-of-the-table clash on nine points, face Passenga whilst St Anthony are up against Pool B leaders Laiser Hill in Friday’s last four.
In their final preliminary match, St. Anthony behind in the 23rd minute when Dennis Ochieng struck a half volley to send the representatives from the lake region ahead.
Wilberforce Lugogo wasted a perfect opportunity to equalise after racing from the right only to see his stinging effort saved by the the keeper.
Kisumu, last year’s beaten finalists, pressed forward after the restart with skipper, Said Tsuma doubling the lead in the 52nd with a well executed free-kick.
The Lake side boys held on for the win to underline their favourites status.
“We had a game plan, and we stuck to it. The boys were very disciplined and composed and the results showed,” head coach, Daniel Otieno said whilst hailing his charges who are two victories away from reclaiming the national title.
Eliminated sides, Garissa and Kathungi played to a 2-2 draw in the other Group A fixture to bow out with some pride.
Laiser Hill, who had already qualified demolished Coastal side Waa 5-1 to seal pole position while Passenga edged out Simotwo 1-0 to finish second in Group B.
-Volleyball-
In girls’ Volleyball, National and East Africa champions Kwanthanze booked a semi-final berth against former champions Tetu from Aberdare.
Hosts Kwathanze, representing Metropolitan finished top of Pool A after registering their third straight win by defeating Sega 3-0.
Nzoia powerhouses Lugulu Girls eliminated St John’s Kaloleni by straight sets to set a last four clash with AIC Kosirai from Mau .
In the boys’ event, defending champions Malava Boys from Nzoia will be seeking a second straight final appearance against Cheptil from Mau while Coast’s Mivumoni face favourites Hospital Hill from Metropolitan.
Malava finished top of group A after beating Ngungani by straight sets while Hospital Hill overcame Cheptil by a similar margin in a hotly contested group B encounter.
