JOBO, Musingu to renew stellar rivalry in East Africa School Games

Instine Simiyu hit a superb brace as the national champions St. Josephs’ Boys Kitale, famously known as JOBO, walloped Agai 3-1 to set up a national final rematch against Musingu High School on Thursday.

JOBO prevailed against Musingu in the Term Two Games final in Kakamega earlier this month, winning 1-0 to clinch their first-ever national title but stakes are now high as the two teams clash in the East African stage in an-all Kenyan affair.

Simiyu opened the scoring in the 31st minute, two minutes after Agai had squandered a glorious chance, giving JOBO a 1-0 lead.

JOBO continued the search for a second goal but saw Simiyu’s shot defended well by the Nyanza-based school who then launched a scathing attack forcing goalkeeper Burachi to make a superb save.

Two minutes later, Jabal Mugede added the second for JOBO on the stroke of halftime after Agai failed to clear a free kick.

Second half produced a different show as Agai came with an intent to score, pulling one through Rodgers Omondi just five minutes after the break.

Six minutes later, star boy Simiyu scored a superb solo goal from a stunning low shot after goalkeeper Burachi went long with his goal kick.

The goal proved to be important as JOBO beat Agai on goal difference as the two sides tied on 13 points in Pool 'B'.

“We knew Agai was a tough side and we had prepared for it. I want to thank my boys for today’s great show. Beating Musingu once again will not be easy but we are going to give our best,” said Kibwenga.

Earlier on, Butere Boys rallied from behind to force a 1-1 draw against reigning East Africa champions Amus College.

They will now face Ugandan side Bukedea Comprehensive who thumped Benjamin Mkapa 2-0 in their last match to top Pool B on 14 points.

Football girls witnessed tough contests in the semi-finals that were staged today following the conclusion of their preliminary matches on Tuesday.

Kawempe Muslim rallied from behind to stun Arch Bishop Njenga Girls 4-2 in the first semi-final while defending champions St. Noa Girls stunned compatriots Amus College 1-0 in another semi-final, creating an all-Ugandan final clash.

In boys' hockey, three teams are in the mix for the East African title with the last game of the round-robin format slated on Thursday.

Kakungulu from Uganda, who are aiming to reclaim their title are well placed as they lead the ranking with 16 points following their 4-0 win against M-pesa Academy today.

Coast’s St. Charles Lwanga boosted their chances following their 1-0 win against reigning champions Musingu as they came third on 14 points, level with St. Anthony Boys Kitale who demolished Uganda’s Kyadondo 6-0.

St. Charles face a titmus paper test against Kakungulu in a do or die clash as St. Anthony clashes with Mbarara.

St. Joseph's Girls Kitale are on the course of retaining their girls’ crown following their 7-0 win against Bweranyangi.

The Linah Barasa led side now need a draw against Kakungulu in their final clash to be crowned champions.

Tigoi, after beating Mwiki 3-1 today, will be looking to end on a high tomorrow when they host Uganda’s Mushanga.

"We are targeting a silver after seeing the title slip following a 3-2 loss to St. Joseph's Kitale yesterday. The East African trophy keeps slipping through our hands but we will not give up," said a dejected Moses Erima, who has led Tigoi to back-to-back national titles.

They currently sit second on the log on 13 points, three behind St. Josephs Kitale.

Volleyball girls’ semis will see an all-Kenyan affair after reigning champions Kesogon, national champions Kwanthanze, Soweto and Bishop Sulumeti all topped the two pools to earn their tickets in the last four.

Kwanthanze will clash with Bishop Sulumeti while Kesogon will play Soweto in another semi-final clash, with Kenya assured of a podium sweep.

Boys' semi-finals will only witness one Kenyan side with national champions Cheptil taking on St. Luc while another semi-final will witness a Ugandan affair with Namugongo clashing with Bukedea.

In handball, Moi Girls Kamusinga breezed past Uganda’s Kawanda 19-15 to book a final slot with Uganda’s Mbogo who stunned St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale 23-20.

Moi Girls Kamusinga are looking to reclaim their title they last won in 2019.