School Games: Baptism by fire for Moi Mbiruri as Musingu, JOBO make statement wins
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 29.07.25. | 18:01
Tournament favourites St. Joseph’s Kitale delivered a strong statement with a 3-1 victory against defending champions Highway in a thrilling encounter at the Outer Field, Mabao, in Kakamega High School
It was all smiles for Oguta Alfred’s Moi High School Mbiruri side, until they met Western Region champions Musingu High School.
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Before the nationals, the Embu-based outfit had enjoyed an unbeaten run from the county level, but their dream start to life at the national stage came to a crashing halt with a 5-1 thrashing by a clinical Musingu side.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) boys’ football fixture was staged at the Mumias Complex shortly after the opening ceremony of this year’s games on Tuesday, July 29.
Once the speeches were done and dusted, the real battle began on the lush green pitch, with all eyes on the coveted East Africa Games ticket.
Experienced Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) referee Kevin Amol officiated the clash.
Both teams started cautiously, probing with care as neither side wanted to commit early.
The first attempt of the game came in the 10th minute when Charles Olunga tried to chip Musingu goalkeeper Georgina Chris.
That moment sparked Musingu into life. The Brenden Mwinamo-coached side responded swiftly, and in the 16th minute, Kevin Manani slotted home after a slick one-two exchange with Eugene Baraza.
But Musingu’s joy was short-lived, a goalkeeping blunder gifted Moi Mbiruri an equalizer, the first goal Musingu had conceded since the county stage.
Two minutes later, KCB trialist Haustine Odongo restored Musingu’s lead with a smart low finish after weaving through the defense.
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Marvin Ashiundu added a third five minutes before the break, much to the delight of fans who braved the scorching Mumias heat.
By halftime, Musingu had taken a deserved 3-1 lead.
In the second half, coach Oguta made changes in a bid to breathe life into Mbiruri’s attack, but the fresh legs did little to stop Musingu’s momentum.
Ashiundu grabbed his brace in the 55th minute, before Jackton Odongo completed the rout in the 75th.
Speaking after the match, Musingu coach Mwinamo acknowledged his team’s unconvincing display but remained upbeat about their chances.
"I thank the boys for the five goals because the first match is always difficult.Any team that reaches nationals is a good side, so conceding means we were not fully prepared," he told Mozzart Sport.
He added: "We have started on a low note, but I believe the boys will pick up. Tomorrow we face Garissa, and we expect a tough match. We are playing at home, and that comes with pressure from the fans. Sometimes that can get to the players.”
Elsewhere, Nyanza Region’s Agai High School launched their campaign with a commanding 9-1 win over Garissa High School of North Eastern.
Tournament favourites St. Joseph’s Kitale delivered a strong statement with a 3-1 victory against defending champions Highway in a thrilling encounter at the Outer Field, Mabao, in Kakamega High School.
In the final match of the day, Central Region representatives Kiringari handed returning side Serani a 2-0 defeat at Rugby Field, Kakamega, marking a difficult comeback for the coastal outfit after a two-year absence from the nationals.
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