JOBO, Musingu semis clash abandoned due to fan invasion

The game was stopped immediately after Austin Oluoch notched in Musingu’s equalizer deep into stoppage time, a strike that send wild the filled-to-the-rafters stadium fans who then stormed the pitch, and refused to leave over half an hour later.

The supporters stood in the centre circle surrounded by security officers before the announcement to call the game off was made.

The match, which was disrupted at a score line of 1-1, kicked off on a high with St. Joseph’s Kitale, famously known as JOBO finding an opener in the 16th minute via Rixon Simiyu’s penalty.

JOBO were awarded the spot kick after Austine Oluoch fouled danger man Collins Mwalati after they were hit on the counter.

The national champions defended well to lead 1-0 at the break, although both teams missed equal chances to score more goals.

Second half produced a similar show but Instin Simiyu’s miss in the 76th minute to put the game to bed proved costly to JOBO as they conceded in the dying embers of the game through Austin Oluoch’s low drive shot.

The goal sent the fans into wild celebrations as they invaded the pitch to embrace Musingu players.

The jury is expected to give a ruling on the abandoned match with reports on attacks on JOBO’s players by fans in the celebrations fiasco.

Earlier on, Felix Ochieng’s own goal sent Bukedea Comprehensive into the final after overcoming Butere Boys 1-0 in a closely contested tie.

Bukedea will now await the winner between Musingu and JOBO in a much awaited final on Friday at Bukhungu Stadium.

Meanwhile, perennial volleyball archrivals Kwanthanze and Kesogon are set to renew their rivalry in the climactic finale after booking their final slots.

Kwanthanze made light work of Bishop Sulumeti with a straight sets win while Kesogon lifted Soweto on their feet with a 3-1 sets thrashing.

The two sides have met at the East African stage for four years consecutively with Kwanthanze winning a three-peat before relinquishing the title to Kesogon last year.

The two sides also clashed earlier this month in the national final with Kwanthanze prevailing 3-0 sets to clinch their record-extending seventh title.

The Machakos-based team will be eyeing revenge against Kesogon in their bid to lift their seventh regional crown with head coach Justin Kigwari confident of reigning supreme.

“We know Kesogon has a good team and we will have to be on top of our game to beat them. We will play our game and we are confident we shall bring the title home.”

In the boys’ contest, Kenya’s Cheptil cruised to the final after edging Burundi’s St. Luc 3-2 (25-19,19-25,25-18,24-26,15-12) sets in the semis. They face Uganda’s Namugongo in the final on Friday.

In handball, St. Lukes Kimilili will clash with Rwanda’s Adegi in the boys’ final after thumping Bombo Army 33-27 in a pulsating semi-final tie.

Kimilili will be looking to bring the regional crown, that has eluded Kenyan teams for a very long time, home.