SCHOOLS: St Anthony's win battle of saints as Tigoi draw

Action between St Anthony's and St Charles Lwanga during the East Africa hockey match played at Mbale School of Hygiene in Uganda on August 20, 2024. [Standard Sports]

Former East Africa hockey champions St Anthony's Boys High School Kitale bounced back from the 1-0 loss to holders Kakungulu Memorial from Uganda to beat compatriots St Charles Lwanga 2-1 in their second Group B tie.

St Anthony's carried the day in an all-Kenyan encounter staged at Mbale School of Hygiene. The victory revived their hopes of reaching the knockouts and remaining on course to reclaiming the title they last won in 2018.

St Anthony's coach Kelvin Lugalia said that his charges will keep improving with every match.

"We needed to win this match and I'm glad the boys rose to the occasion and bagged maximum points.

"We had a slow start to the competition but I believe that the boys will get better with every match they play," Lugalia said.

The first half was evenly contested with both sides making several attempts on goal. Despite creating chances from open play and set pieces the two sides could not break the opponents defence.

However a defensive mistake in the circle would see St Charles Lwanga gift St Anthony's a penalty stroke that saw captain Linton Nayombe beat goalkeeper Willis Wanjala to take a 1-0 lead seconds to the breather.

St Anthony's would hang on to the narrow lead for the better part of the third quarter even as St Charles continued to hunt for an equaliser.

Their efforts paid off in the 41st minute as Newton Mwangaza restored parity through a penalty corner. Determined to register their first win, St Anthony's intensified their hunt for a second goal.

After many missed chances, Kelvin Onyango outsmarted the opponents defence to bet the second goal and restore their lead in the 49th minute. St Anthony's protected their lead to seal the victory.

In another Group B encounter, Kakungulu beat fellow Ugandans Kyadondo Secondary School 3-1 to maintain their unbeaten run. In Group A, Uganda's Ntare School shared spoils with Arusha Meru Secondary School from Tanzania following a goalless draw.

In the girls contest, national champions Tigoi played to a barren draw against 2022 winners Kakungulu Memorial.

At Bukedea Primary School, East Africa girls volleyball champions Kwanzanthe and Kesogon Secondary School continued with their winning ways.

Kwanthanze who are keen to extend their reign for another year beat compatriots Lugulu Girls in straight sets of 25-20, 25-13 and 25-17 to make it two wins out of two.

Kesogon who are chasing their maiden title humbled home girls Nabusunsa 3-0(25-5, 25-15, 25-5).