Kakamega School will have a chance to reclaim the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) boys' football title after digging deep into extra time to edge a spirited Menengai High School 2-1 in a pulsating semifinal played on Wednesday at M-Pesa Foundation Academy Pitch A.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe record national champions had to mine every ounce of energy before eventually breaking the resistance of the Nakuru-based side, sealing a place in the final for the first time in eight years.Awaiting them is a dream mini Mashemeji Derby against St Mary's School Yala, who booked their place in the championship match after beating Takaba Mixed Secondary School 2-0 in the second semifinal.It is a final many had hoped for from the opening day of the tournament, especially Yala, who openly declared that they wanted a date with the Green Commandos on the biggest stage.KSSSA: More Kenyan teams approved by FEASSSA to feature in East Africa GamesJulius Ochieng alias Agwambo and Daniel Ombati scored for Kakamega, while Rashid Abdi found the net for Menengai.Menengai got the contest underway through George Omondi, but Kakamega immediately imposed themselves in the game.Within seconds, Julius Ochieng and Mike Okoth were already stretching the Menengai defence, whipping dangerous deliveries into the penalty area as the Green Commandos looked determined to draw first blood.The Cliftone Lugalia-coached side then gave a glimpse of the football that has made them the most successful school in the country's history.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878441##Barely two minutes into the contest, goalkeeper Ramadhan Juma calmly started an attack from the back as Kakamega patiently stitched together a series of crisp passes that sliced through the Menengai midfield.The move ended with Derrick Wanyonyi beating his marker before squaring the ball to Macklin Adika.Adika, however, took a fraction too long to pull the trigger, allowing Ikhulu Graham to recover in time and make a crucial clearance.Anthony Onyango soon took control of the midfield battle, spraying passes with the precision of a conductor directing an orchestra as Kakamega tightened their grip on possession.KSSSA: Nyakach stun Raila to set up final against St Joseph's Girls KitaleOne of his pinpoint deliveries released Agwambo down the right, with the forward winning a corner after forcing the Menengai defence into hurried action.The resulting set piece, however, was comfortably headed away by Clement Otieno.Menengai refused to retreat into their shell.Instead, Peter Sechero's boys carried a threat of their own through Griffin Shollei, whose direct running constantly asked questions of the Kakamega defence.One dazzling run from the forward saw him nutmeg Fidel Odhiambo before bursting into space, forcing the Kakamega captain into a tactical foul that earned him the game's first booking.The match continued to swing from one end to the other.In the 15th minute, Wanyonyi thought he had finally broken the deadlock after beating goalkeeper Pavon Aminga with a low effort.Just when celebrations looked inevitable, Clement Otieno raced back to produce a superb goal-line clearance and preserve parity.KSSSA: Defending champions Kinale and unbeaten Upper Hill march into rugby sevens semisKakamega continued knocking. Two consecutive corner kicks followed, but Menengai packed their penalty area with bodies and dealt with the danger.Moments later, the Green Commandos had the ball in the back of the net after Wanyonyi reacted quickest to Pavon Aminga's rebound.The celebrations were short-lived as the assistant referee's flag went up for offside. The Knights of Menengai also enjoyed promising spells in possession but struggled to find a way through Kakamega's disciplined defensive line.Adika almost caught Aminga off his line in the 25th minute with an audacious effort, but the goalkeeper stretched every muscle to tip the ball over for another corner.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878469##Kakamega School goalWave after wave of Kakamega attacks finally broke the dam in the 38th minute. Mike Okoth unleashed a powerful strike that Aminga could only parry back into play.Okoth reacted quickest to reclaim possession before squaring the ball to Agwambo.The forward took one composed touch before curling a delightful right-footed finish from outside the area into the bottom left corner to hand Kakamega a deserved lead.The goal sent the stands into a frenzy. Green Commandos supporters burst into song, chanting "Igwe" while waving their hands in celebration as the atmosphere inside M-Pesa Foundation Academy reached another level.The goal also rattled Menengai.Shollei and Evans Otieno both found themselves in the referee's notebook moments later after mistimed challenges on Wanyonyi and Agwambo.Scenting blood, Kakamega continued to attack through the dangerous trio of Agwambo, Wanyonyi and Adika.Only the brilliance of goalkeeper Pavon Aminga kept Menengai alive with a string of outstanding saves.KSSSA: Junior Starlets duo combine for 11 goals as ruthless Nyakach hit Kiarithe for 20 to storm into semisWanyonyi also entered the referee's book late in the half after fouling Clement Otieno.The halftime whistle arrived with Kakamega deservedly ahead. Their supporters transformed the tartan track into a carnival, dancing to the beat of Isukuti drums as Menengai quietly made their way to the dressing room.The Green Commandos restarted brightly after the interval. Within minutes, Isaac Ferdinand rose highest from a corner but saw his header whistle narrowly over the crossbar.Menengai emerged from the break with renewed belief. Joshua Mutunga injected fresh energy into midfield while Rashid Abdi increasingly became a thorn in Kakamega's defence.Peter Sechero's side began enjoying longer spells on the ball, exchanging passes with confidence and slowly shifting the momentum.Although clear-cut chances remained few, Kakamega responded by introducing James Mulwa and Brighton Nacheri for Mike Okoth and Derrick Wanyonyi.The substitutes immediately stretched Menengai down both flanks with their pace and direct running.Still, Menengai defended as one, throwing bodies on the line to deny Kakamega a second goal.Menengai equaliserTheir resilience paid dividends in the 75th minute, after Isaac Ferdinand handled the ball just outside the penalty area, Menengai were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position.Rashid Abdi stood over the ball, took a deep breath and curled a magnificent effort into the bottom left corner beyond the despairing dive of Ramadhan Juma to level the contest.Suddenly, the tide had turned. With momentum firmly behind them, Menengai grew in confidence and repeatedly attacked through the wings, while the battle in midfield intensified as both teams searched for the decisive line-breaking pass.Coach Lugalia responded by introducing Daniel Ombati for Macklin Adika before later bringing on Maxwell Odhiambo for George Omondi to add more stability at the back.Neither side was willing to blink. Every tackle carried weight, every loose ball became a battle, and every attack threatened to settle the contest.After 90 fiercely contested minutes, nothing could separate the two sides as the semifinal drifted into extra time.The Green Commandos began the additional period with fresh urgency.KSSSA: Junior Starlets duo combine for 11 goals as ruthless Nyakach hit Kiarithe for 20 to storm into semisBarely a minute into extra time, loud appeals for a penalty after a challenge inside the Menengai area were waved away by the referee, much to the frustration of the Kakamega bench.Kakamega School winnerThe record champions refused to let the decision distract them. They continued pounding on the Menengai door until it finally gave way.A dangerous attack caused panic inside the six-yard box before the ball spilt kindly for substitute Daniel Ombati.The forward reacted quicker than everyone else, rising to nod home from close range and restore Kakamega's lead.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878458##The second period of extra time turned into a siege.Menengai threw everyone forward in a desperate search for another equaliser, forcing Kakamega to retreat and defend their slender advantage.Cross after cross rained into the Green Commandos penalty area, but Ferdinand and Fidel Odhiambo stood tall, winning crucial headers while goalkeeper Ramadhan Juma confidently claimed every loose ball that came his way.As the clock ticked down, Kakamega slowed the tempo whenever they could, frustrating a Menengai side that refused to surrender.KSSSA: From borrowing bus fare to watch volleyball, Mwitoti star dreams of building an academy back homeThe final whistle finally brought relief for the Green Commandos, whose players collapsed to the turf after surviving one of the toughest tests of their campaign.Victory now sets up the final every fan wished for from the opening day of the championship.The country's two traditional school football giants, Kakamega School and St Mary's School Yala, will renew one of Kenya's greatest school football rivalries with the 2026 KSSSA national title on the line.
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