Agai, Kobala Mixed Outshine Rivals to Rule Nyanza Schools Football
Agai High School and Kobala Mixed Secondary School are the new football champions of the 2025 Nyanza Region Secondary School Games after stunning victories in their respective finals held on July 12 at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Agai High School, representing Kisumu County, clinched the boys’ football title after a commanding 2-0 win over Kisumu Boys High School. The victory saw Agai dethrone Migori’s Koderobara High School, who failed to make it past the county qualifiers. The “Green Cardinals,” as Agai are fondly known, displayed resilience and hunger, sealing their place in the nationals with a performance that electrified Moi Stadium.
In the girls’ football finals, Homa Bay’s Kobala Mixed Secondary School edged Saye Girls in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after a barren draw in regulation time. Kobala dethroned reigning champions Alara Girls, also from Homa Bay, in a tournament marked by fierce rivalries and high-stakes matches.
Over in basketball, St. Mary’s School Yala pulled off a memorable comeback to clinch the boys’ 3×3 basketball crown, defeating St. Joseph’s Rapogi Boys 18-16 in a tense final played at Kisumu Girls. Making their debut at this stage, Yala overcame doubts and heavyweights alike on their way to the title. Coach Leonard Okuku praised his boys for their fighting spirit, especially after trailing with just seconds on the clock.
“This victory is special. Despite knowing we had qualified for nationals after our semi win over Nyanchwa, we wanted to make history by lifting the regional title,” said Okuku. Rapogi, despite the loss, also secured a ticket to the national finals in Kakamega.
In the girls’ basketball finals, Ng’iya Girls from Siaya County proved too strong for Homa Bay’s Asumbi Girls, sealing a 21-8 victory to defend their regional crown. Ng’iya overcame Ogande Girls 21-12 in the semi-finals, while Asumbi booked their spot after a tight 14-13 win over Nyakach Girls. Coach Naftali Ambala described the win as “sweet revenge” after their previous Term One finals loss to Asumbi.
Volleyball also saw thrilling finales. In the boys’ category, Gogo Mixed Secondary School from Homa Bay held their nerve to edge out St. Mary’s Yala 3-2 in a dramatic final set. Gogo’s hard-fought win earned them a ticket to Kakamega, with their victory coming after Yala threatened a comeback in the fourth set.
The girls’ volleyball final produced another thriller, as Nyakongo Girls from Siaya defeated county rivals Aluor Girls 3-2. Nyakongo’s triumph served as sweet payback after losing to Aluor in the county finals, underlining the fierce competition between the two schools.
Speaking after the conclusion of the regional games, Nyanza Region Secondary School Sports Association (NRSSSA) vice-chairman Ngala Mbuor commended the Kisumu fans for maintaining peace and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. He lauded the participating teams for clean competition devoid of major age-cheating allegations or disputes.
“We had quality games played in the right spirit. The peace we enjoyed here in Kisumu is a victory for school sports. Now, it’s time for Nyanza to rally together for nationals,” said Mbuor, who also serves as Principal of St. Patrick’s Segere Mixed.
With football, basketball, and volleyball champions crowned, the focus now shifts to the national finals in Kakamega, where Nyanza’s finest will battle for supremacy against Kenya’s best.
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