School Games: Kenyans beat Kawempe on post-match penalties to bag title

KENYA SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS GAMES. Wiyeta Girls football team from Western Region celebrate with trophy after beating Ibinza from Central region during Kenya Secondary School Sports Term 2B finals of the Airtel Rising Stars' National Games at Nyeri Primary Moi Complex in Nyeri on Saturday, July 8, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Goalkeeper Tembesi stops three penalties.

Kenya’s Wiyeta beat all odds to reclaim the Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools girls’ football title as this year’s edition ended yesterday at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu, Uganda.

Going into the match they knew playing on unfamiliar grounds they had to be at their best to overcome the hosts and grab the coveted gong.

With thousands of fans rooting for their opponents, the Kenyan girls were not to be intimidated as they held their nerve to beat Kawempe Muslim 3-1 in post-match penalties after their clash ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Wiyeta had goalkeeper Diana Tembesi to thank as she saved three penalties.

Tembesi told The Standard Sports when the match ended in a stalemate, she knew it was her turn to carry the team and she did not disappoint.

“A lot was at stake, first the title that we have been trying to win for many years and the pride of our country.

“I knew our players who will take the penalties won’t fail and I had to give my best to stop the opponents,” Tembesi said.

Wiyeta captain Martha Amunyolet was the first to take the penalty but her shot was saved by Kawempe goalkeeper Juliet Adeko.

Tembesi failed to stop Hafisah Nassuna’s shot to give the opponent a 1-0 advantage. Tembesi then refused to be beaten again stopping kicks from Yudaya Nakayenze, Grace Aluka and Stella Mubika to the disappointment of the Ugandans.

Laventine Lihemo, Gentrix Shakangwa and Sylvia Munyasia’s scored for Wiyeta to usher in celebration.

Kawempe had everything going for them in the first half as they dominated the game to the delight of their fans who turned up in large numbers to support them.

However, even with a much stronger 12th member of the team, their finishing was blunt as they wasted numerous chances.

The Kenyan girls put up a spirited fight to take the lead in the 23rd minute through Shikangwa breaking the hearts of the hosts and taking control of Pece Stadium.

However, the Ugandan girls restored parity with seven minutes to the whistle after a lapse in Wiyeta defence. Both sides lost chances in extra time with Nassuna winning the love of many with her unrivalled footwork as she challenged the Kenyan players.

In the boys contest Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos beat Uganda’s Nakaseke International School 3-2 in post match penalties to take bronze.