Laiser Hill Academy are the new Metropolitan Region Airtel Rising Stars secondary schools boys' football champions after they defeated Upper Hill 5-4 on penalties.
Laiser Hill's goalkeeper Samuel Wanjema was the man-of-the-match after he saved Kennedy Odhiambo's shot, before Kennedy Owino scored Laiser Hill's winning penalty to hand them the title yesterday at Machakos Boys.
Upper Hill came from behind to level scores at 3-3 and with both teams unable to break the deadlock in extra time, penalties had to settle the contest. Odhiambo was first up and saw his penalty saved by Wanjema, while Laiser Hill's players were successful in all their attempts.
Laiser's coach Anthony Kirimi said he was happy his charges played according to his instructions. The tactician believes his team will be equal to the task at the national games.
"It was a very close and emotional match. Both teams gave their all, but in the end, we were the luckier side, but it is a shame that penalties had to decide such a good match. We now embark on serious preparations ahead of the national games," Kirimi said.
Laiser Hill, who beat Brother Beausang 1-0 in the semi-final, took the lead in the ninth minute through Owino's header, which beat Upper Hill's goalkeeper Dan Okinyi at near post. The Nairobi County winners then leveled in the 21st minute through Douglas Nyabuto's ferocious shot.
However, Lasier Hill's Flavos Chamla restored his team's lead just before halftime. They extended their lead in the 66th minute through Kennedy Mwangi, before Upper Hill hit back with two late goals from Ovella Ochieng and Brian Omondi.
The girls' final was a one-sided affair with Olympic scoring six first half goals to down Kikima 6-0 and reclaim their regional title. Corazon Aquino scored thrice, while Elizabeth Wambui, Agnes Moraa and Trazy Atieno scored one goal each.
Olympic beat Matuu Memorial 2-0 in the semi-final to end the latter's reign as regional champions and atone last year's defeat.
In volleyball, reigning national and East Africa champions Kwanthanze Girls and Hospital Hill reigned supreme after retaining their titles with victories in their respective finals.
Kwanthanze played like champions they are, winning 3-0 (25-14 25-14,25-12) against Nairobi County champions Soweto Academy.
Kwanthanze's captain Teresa Akai said the team is out to retain their national title on home ground, but warned of stern opposition from Nzoia Region schools.
"I am glad we played according to plan and remained focused. Our title defence campaign continues and our eyes are now set on the national crown," Akai said.
In boys' volleyball, Hospital Hill were pushed all the way by Utithi High before they won 3-2 (25-16 25-14 19-25 22-25 15-11).
Hospital Hill's coach Francis Mwangi said his team will take part in several friendly matches as they seek to reclaim the national title.
They lost to champions Malava Boys at the semifinals in last year's games.