Former champions Highway Secondary School bowed out of the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football games despite ending St Mary's Yala's unbeaten run with a deserved 2-0 victory on Tuesday.The Nairobi champions produced one of their best performances of the tournament to hand Yala their first defeat, but it was not enough to secure a semifinal place after Menengai High School defeated Tononoka High School 4-1 in the other Group B fixture.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878591##Takaba Mixed Secondary School also booked a place in the last four after brushing aside Tumaini Secondary School 4-2Knowing only victory would keep their hopes alive, Highway flew out of the blocks and almost found the breakthrough inside two minutes when Rial Biliew forced his way into the box before seeing his effort stopped.The Nairobi side continued to camp inside Yala's half during the opening exchanges as Ayaga Benson and Ian Nzisa dictated play from midfield while St Mary's remained compact and looked to build patiently from the back.There was little to separate the two sides after ten minutes, although Highway continued to enjoy the better possession and territorial advantage.Their pressure finally paid off in the 12th minute.Ryan Ehenzo collected the ball on the right wing before delivering a measured pass towards Otongolo Denlson, who had positioned himself a few metres outside the penalty area.KSSSA: From borrowing bus fare to watch volleyball, Mwitoti star dreams of building an academy back homeThe defensive midfielder controlled the ball with his first touch before unleashing a powerful strike that curled into the far right corner, leaving goalkeeper Johnstone Raudge with no chance.The goal forced Yala out of their defensive shell as they began committing more bodies forward in search of an equaliser.Highway nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later after Raudge rushed off his line and failed to gather the ball cleanly.The loose ball fell kindly to Ryan, but his effort drifted wide with the goal at his mercy.KSSSA: TikTok goalkeeper dreaming of Harambee Stars inspires Takaba's historic runYala responded positively and almost levelled matters when Mathee Gift capitalised on hesitation from goalkeeper Fredy Gapapa, only for the chance to go begging.The Black Saints gradually settled into the contest through Aseka Luckisven, Juma Steve and Ouma Washingtone, who combined well in midfield and switched play from one flank to the other in search of an opening.However, Highway's defence, marshalled by Nyaga Benson and Majak John, stood firm.The Nairobi champions comfortably dealt with Yala's set pieces and aerial deliveries to protect their one-goal advantage heading into the break.The second half resumed at a frantic pace with Yala taking control of possession.Aseka Luckisven and Juma Steve repeatedly stretched Highway from the wings, sending dangerous deliveries into the penalty area, while Ouma Washingtone constantly made runs behind the defence.Their best chance arrived early in the half when Washingtone raced through on goal, but goalkeeper Gapapa reacted brilliantly by rushing off his line to deny him in a one-on-one situation.KSSSA: Bishop travels 800km in 24 hours to watch son shine for Kakamega SchoolNzisa then became the first player booked after catching Juma Steve with a high boot. The resulting free kick failed to trouble the goalkeeper as it sailed over the crossbar.Highway coach Asuba Fred responded by introducing Oyoo Bobson for Manzi Samuel to inject fresh energy into his side as Yala continued piling on the pressure.The Siaya County champions dominated possession for long spells and kept attacking from both flanks, but Highway remained disciplined defensively.##NAJAVA_MECA_9879092##Every cross into the area was cleared, while Yusuf Athuman worked tirelessly up front to relieve pressure whenever his side regained possession.With Yala committing more players forward in search of an equaliser, Highway struck the decisive blow late in the match.A quick attacking move caught the Yala defence exposed before a low cross was driven into the six-yard box.Athuman intelligently allowed the ball to run through, creating space for the arriving Otongolo Denlson, who calmly slotted home from close range to complete his brace and seal all three points.Despite the impressive victory, Highway's campaign ended in disappointment after Menengai's win over Tononoka saw them miss out on the semifinals.Elsewhere, Kakamega High School staged a superb comeback to beat St Philip Baricho 4-1, with Ombati, Muchiti, Wanyonyi and Omondi getting on the scoresheet as the record champions sealed top spot in their group.KSSSA: Laiser Hill, Bokoli and St. Anthony's make strong starts in rugby sevensMenengai High School comfortably defeated Tononoka High School 4-1 to secure their place in the last four, while Takaba Mixed Secondary School eased to a commanding 4-0 victory over Tumaini Secondary School to complete the semifinal lineup.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878563##The semifinal fixtures will now see record champions Kakamega High School face Menengai High School in one of the last four clashes, while St Mary's Yala progressed despite defeat and will take on Takaba Mixed Secondary School for a place in the final.
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