Menengai High School produced one of the biggest upsets of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games after edging pre-tournament favourites Highway Secondary School 1-0 in a result that blew Group A wide open.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsJoshua Mutunga's early second-half strike proved enough to hand the Rift Valley champions a famous victory at M-Pesa Foundation Academy and revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.The defeat left Highway with work to do heading into their final group match after dominating large spells of the contest but failing to convert their chances.##NAJAVA_MECA_9876028##Highway started brightly and looked the more dangerous side from the opening whistle.In the 30th minute, Rial Biliew weaved past several defenders before unleashing a shot that drifted into the side netting.The Nairobi champions continued to pile pressure on the Menengai defence moments later when Biliew turned provider, picking out Samuel Manzi inside the box, but the striker's effort was brilliantly pushed away for a corner.KSSSA: Kwanthanze bounce back as Kesogon and Mwitoti maintain perfect run in volleyballThe attacks kept coming as Denlson Otongolo drove into the penalty area before goalkeeper Aminga Pivon reacted quickly to smother the ball at the feet of Bobson Oyoo.With Highway dominating possession, Menengai coach Peter Sechero responded with an early tactical change, introducing Bravin Ombonya in place of Vincent Ndema to add more stability in midfield.The substitution helped Menengai settle into the game, slowing Highway's momentum even though the Nairobi side continued to deliver dangerous crosses into the area.Why KSSSA boss is pushing for more government fundingAs the first half wore on, the intensity dropped slightly with both teams becoming more cautious.Menengai finally threatened in the 38th minute when Griffin Sholei skipped past his marker, but his tame effort was comfortably gathered by Highway goalkeeper Fredy Gapapa.Despite creating the better opportunities, Highway went into the break frustrated after failing to make their dominance count.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872961##Whatever Peter Sechero told his players during the interval worked instantly.Barely two minutes after the restart, Joshua Mutunga latched onto a through ball, beat his marker for pace and calmly slotted past Gapapa to hand Menengai a priceless 1-0 lead.The goal completely changed the complexion of the match as Highway threw more bodies forward in search of an equaliser while Menengai retreated into a disciplined defensive shape.KSSSA: Ruthless Green Commandos outclass Tumaini to storm into semi finalsMenengai almost doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Luid Wasike found himself one-on-one with Gapapa, but the goalkeeper rushed off his line to deny the forward and keep Highway in the contest.From then on, it was wave after wave of Highway attacks.The Nairobi champions camped inside Menengai's half, forcing a flurry of corners and free kicks, but the Nakuru side defended with determination.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872927##Every cross into the box was met by a clearing header, while goalkeeper Aminga Pivon commanded his area superbly to collect dangerous deliveries.Coach Aruga Fred made attacking changes, introducing Biron Odhiambo in place of Samuel Manzi in a bid to inject fresh energy into the frontline.Highway continued to dominate possession in the closing stages, switching play from one flank to the other and stretching the Menengai backline.KSSSA: Archbishop Njenga seal East Africa ticket after 8-0 rout as Raila Educational Centre run riotHowever, clear scoring chances remained elusive as Menengai's defenders threw themselves at every shot and blocked passing lanes inside the penalty area.Menengai relied on long clearances and quick counterattacks to relieve pressure, frustrating Highway as the clock ticked down.When the final whistle sounded, the Rift Valley champions celebrated a memorable victory that threw Group A wide open.KSSSA: St Mary's Yala out to repay Michael Olunga's faith with historic national titleCollated resultsElsewhere, St. Mary's School Yala became the second boys' team after Kakamega High School to qualify for the semi-finals after staging a remarkable comeback to beat Coast Region champions Tononoka Secondary School 5-1.The Nyanza champions recovered from an early setback with an emphatic attacking display to maintain their perfect start to the competition and secure a place in the last four with a match to spare.History was also made as Mandera County champions Takaba Secondary School became the first school from the North Eastern Region to win a football match at the KSSSA National Games.KSSSA: Inside Kirangari fly-half’s plan to use rugby to rescue mother from restaurant workTakaba demolished Central Region representatives St. Philip Baricho 7-1 in the biggest winning margin recorded in the boys competition so far.Ismail Hassan and Bullow Adan each grabbed a brace, while Arafat Hassan and Abdulaziz Mustafa Harun were also on target in a landmark victory that kept Takaba's hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive while ending Baricho's campaign in disappointing fashion.
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