Semi-final match-ups take shape as usual suspects dominate nationals
Rugby 15s action between All Saints Embu High School and Upper Hill School (in green) during the Brookside Secondary Schools Term One National Games on April 9, 2025 at Shimo la Tewa School.
Reigning champions on Wednesday asserted their dominance to book semi-final slots at the Brookside Secondary Schools Term One National Games at Shanzu Teachers Training College and Shimo La Tewa High School in Mombasa.
Musingu Boys High School, St Anthony’s Boys High School, Butere Girls Secondary School, Kimilili Boys High School, and Lukenya Academy are all through to the last four.
In boys’ hockey, holders Musingu Boys High School from the Western region underlined their intentions to retain the national title with a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Mnyenzeni Secondary School in their second Group “B” match.
Musingu had earlier edged newcomers Matiliku Secondary School from Eastern 1-0 in their opener. With two wins, they secured a spot in the last four.
Musingu captain Elvis Shigunzi expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress.
“Our first aim was to reach the knock-outs and I’m glad we did it with a match in hand. Our two wins did not come easy because competition is very stiff and every team is fighting to snatch the trophy,” said Shigunzi.
After a goalless first quarter, Brian Anzeze broke the deadlock with an 18th-minute field goal, beating Mnyenzeni goalkeeper Abubakar Yawa.
Despite a more resolute Mnyenzeni defence thereafter, Musingu maintained control, dominating possession and limiting their opponents' chances.
Nairobi Region takes on Rift Valley Region in the girls' basketball match at the ongoing National Junior Secondary School Games in Mombasa on April 9, 2025.
In the second half, Shigunzi doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a successful penalty corner conversion, and Newton Mwanga sealed the win with a field goal in the 51st minute.
In another Group “B” clash, Mpesa Foundation Academy dashed Matiliku’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals with a 3-0 win. Mark Howard scored a brace, while Andora added the third goal.
In girls’ hockey, East Africa champions St Joseph’s Girls High School Kitale cruised into the semi-finals after thumping AIC Nyayo 3-0 in their second Group “A” fixture. Vallary Ludiali continued her fine form, netting twice, while Audrey Grener added the third.
Elsewhere, Nairobi’s Mwiki Secondary School settled for a goalless draw with hosts St Charles Lwanga in another Group A match.
In Group “B”, debutants Ng’iya Girls from Nyanza showed their mettle by rallying from two goals down to hold defending champions Tigoi Girls to a 2-2 draw.
Ng’iya, who began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Mpesa, will face 2014 national champions St John’s Kaloleni in their final pool match. A win would guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals.
In handball, boys’ champions St Luke’s Kimilili continued their title defence in style, dispatching Rift Valley’s St Albert Kamito 37-20 in their second Group “B” match. Kimilili had earlier defeated Coast’s Jaribuni Secondary School 36-19.
Jaribuni bounced back from their opening loss with a 31-17 win over Makuyu Boys from Central in their second pool match.
Basketball defending champions Butere Girls, eyeing their third consecutive national title, underlined their championship pedigree with a commanding 66-27 win over M-Pesa Academy in their second Pool A match played at Shimo La Tewa School.
Point guard Chelsea Onamu starred for the Canons, scoring 22 points, while Triay Akinyi contributed 10 points.
Butere captain Yvonne Wangui issued a warning to their rivals, saying the team is yet to hit peak form.
Nathaniel Ruwenzori of Aga Khan Academy Mombasa goes for the ball in their basketball match against Lukenya Academy of Eastern Region during the ongoing National Junior Secondary School Games in Mombasa on April 9, 2025.
“We have achieved our first task, which was to qualify for the semis. I feel we can still play better than this, and I know our coaches will work to ensure we are firing on all cylinders in the semifinals,” Wangui said yesterday.
In boys’ basketball, Lukenya Academy pulled off a major upset by defeating record champions Laiser Hill 64-56 to secure a place in the last four.
“This is our fourth appearance in the nationals, and we have always fallen short. This time we are in the semis and we want to advance to the finals,” said Lukenya coach Deng Garang.
In rugby 15s, Vihiga Boys High School secured a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Bwake Boys High School to confirm their spot in the semi-finals.
Emmanuel Herbet scored a try for Vihiga, cancelling out with interest a penalty by Emmanuel Makokha for Bwake.