SCHOOLS: Highway, Musingu keep Kenya's semis hopes alive

Peter Mutua (left) of Highway Secondary School against Olympic High School's Kevin Ochieng. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Highway Secondary School and Musingu High School recovered from a dull start to chalk victories in their respective group matches of the ongoing Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports (FEASSSA) games currently on here in Mbale, Uganda.

Highway, who launched their title quest with a disappointing 2-0 loss to record title holder St Mary's Kitende from Uganda, on Wednesday routed Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa Secondary School 2-0 in their second Group A match played at Amus College.

Another Tanzanian side Kalangalanga Secondary School also suffered in the hands of Kenyans as they received a 4-0 whipping from national finalists Musingu High School in Group B.

St Joseph's Boys High School Kitale held the nerve to force a barren draw against homeboys Bukedea Comprehensive School in another Group A tie.

This was St Joseph's second draw having registered the same score against Benjamin Mkapa in their event opener.

Musingu coach Brendan Mwinamo said Kenyans cannot be ruled out of the title contention despite a slow start to the competition and Uganda's dominance.

"The competition is still open and until a team is knocked out of the race, they still have a chance of going beyond the group stage and even playing in the final. We drew our first match and have won our second, it means that we can keep improving," Mwinamo said.

Musingu were the better side scoring two goals in each half to secure the convincing victory.

Polestine Okoth bagged a brace with Valentine Isalambo and Elvis Ochieng scored one goal apiece to give Musingu the much-needed victory.

Musingu now have four points from a win and their 2-2 draw against Amus College. Musingu will take on Rwanda's APE Rugunga in their third tie tomorrow.

National champions Highway, who had an impressive run in their 2022 debut, renewed their hopes of reaching the semi-finals with a win against Benjamin Mkapa.

Highway's evergreen striker Humphrey Aroko outwitted the Tanzanians defence and goalkeeper Haji Abdalla to make it 1-0 in the 37th minute.

Peter Mutua's 54th minute sealed victory for Highway.

Highway will face compatriots St Joseph's Kitale who their beat 1-0 at the nationals in their third Group A match.

In basketball, national champions Butere Girls chalked victory after suffering two defeats.

Butere beat former champions Buddo Secondary School from Uganda 61-42 in their third Group B match.

Mary Awino top scored for Butere with 12 points, while Diana Evelyne added 10. Having lost their two encounters and staring at an exit, Butere were hungrier for victory taking a 32-27 lead at halftime.