School Games: Musingu sting Agai to set up semi-final grudge match with Highway
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 31.07.25. | 16:24
Meanwhile, defending champions Highway Secondary School advanced to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion, courtesy of a better disciplinary record
There is no slowing down Musingu High School at this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football championships.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
The Western Region giants marched into the semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Agai High School in a top-of-the-table clash at a packed Mumias Sports Complex on Wednesday.
In a game that had all the emotion and electricity of a local derby, Kevin Mukaramoja struck early in the second half to seal victory for the Scorpions, who have now topped Group A unbeaten.
The result sets up a rematch of last year’s final, where they will face defending champions Highway Secondary School.
The two teams came into the contest already assured of a semi-final spot but were fighting to avoid facing St Joseph’s High School Kitale, who have looked rampant in Group B.
With only a win enough to dodge the Rift Valley heavyweights, both Musingu and Agai fielded full-strength squads.
Musingu, however, were forced to do without four of their regular starters.
The match lived up to its billing as Musingu’s Marvin Ashiundu and Haustine Olouch caused constant problems down the flanks, while captain Annan Okumu led by example at the back.
Agai, coached by principal Gordon Aoko, leaned heavily on their star forward and tournament MVP contender Moses Otieno, who was closely watched by the Scorpions’ backline.
Captain Brian Peter anchored the Agai midfield with calm assurance.
It was a fiercely contested encounter, with both sets of fans in full voice.
Whenever a chance went begging, traditional gadaa dancers on the Musingu side erupted into lament, while Agai’s contingent stood in prayerful silence.
The crowd willed their teams forward, and when Mukaramoja finally found the breakthrough, the Musingu end of the stadium exploded.
Speaking after the match, Musingu head coach Brendan Mwinamo praised Agai’s fighting spirit and admitted the match had all the makings of a local derby.
“This felt like a Mashemeji Derby,” said Mwinamo. “Coach Aoko is a good coach and I expected nothing less. There was tension before kick-off, and you could feel it among the boys. It was tough, but I’m proud of how we handled it.”
Looking ahead to the semi-final against Highway, Mwinamo acknowledged the challenge but backed his team to rise to the occasion.
“Last year’s final loss still stings. Highway are a strong side, but we are better prepared now. At this stage, every team is tough. Our focus is on going all the way and keeping the trophy here.”
Agai’s assistant captain Peter rued missed chances but maintained the team is still on track.
"We had opportunities to win it but didn’t take them. Still, we’ve made it to the last four and qualified for East Africa. That’s a big achievement.”
Coach Ibrahim Ateng, whose side has earned praise for their fearless approach in their debut national campaign, remained optimistic.
“We came in as underdogs, and we’ve shown we belong. The journey continues, and we are focused on making an impact at the East Africa level.”
Meanwhile, defending champions Highway Secondary School advanced to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion, courtesy of a better disciplinary record.
They finished level on points, goals scored, and goal difference with Central’s Kirangari High School, but the latter’s red card on Wednesday proved costly.
Highway had earlier beaten Serani 2-0 while Kirangari fell 3-1 to St Joseph’s.
With every metric equal, it was the disciplinary count that decided the final slot in Group B.
The semi-final lineup is now confirmed, with St Joseph’s facing Agai, while Highway square off with Musingu in what promises to be a cracking rematch.
Semi-final Fixtures – Thursday, Kakamega
St Joseph’s High School vs Agai High School
Highway Secondary School vs Musingu High School
