Kisumu Day, Nyakach Girls reign supreme in Kisumu County Games

Onjiko High School player Hillary Owino in action against Benson Lomuria of Kisumu Day during their Kisumu County Secondary School football final at Kisumu Boys grounds on June 23, 2023. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Kisumu Day High School and Nyakach Girls High School are the 2023 Kisumu County Secondary School football under-19 champions.

Kisumu Day saw off Onjiko High School 1-0 in a tense final played yesterday at Kisumu Boys grounds that attracted thousands of fans.

Prior to kick off , Onjiko and Kisumu Day fans clashed at the touchline where a few blows and kicks were exchanged before police officers contained the situation.

With matters calmed, Kisumu Day got off to a perfect start after taking a 1-0 lead inside the opening five minutes when Shadrack Mbaraka shot the ball inside an empty net after the Onjiko goalkeeper Ogaro Valdez fumbled with the ball.

The game however changed from that moment as Onjiko tried to get an equaliser the entire first half with no breakthrough as the Kisumu Day defense stood tall despite being outplayed by the Nyando Sub-County representatives.

In the final half, Kisumu Day held on their nerves to retain the title they have won for the past five years.

In the girl's football final, Nyakach defended their title after thumping Nyakoko Mixed 5-0 in a one-sided final played at the same grounds.

Aisha Akinyi scored in the opening half as Nyakach took a narrow 1-0 half time lead before Maureen Eseri, Swaum Masungo and Vivian Akinyi completed the job in the second half as they picked a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Speaking after the win, Nyakach football coach Chrispin Odindo said they want to reclaim the regional title they lost last year in Homa Bay.

"We are back. Last year we were not so lucky but now we are ready. Our target is set at reclaiming the regional trophy we lost to Kobala," said Odindo.

Nyakach netball coach Loice Okore who are the county champions echoed Odindo's sentiments.

Nyakach only needed to play the first quarter to be declared champions after their opponents Ngere Kagoro threw in the towel as they failed to return to the pitch. Nyakach were leading 26-3 in the first quarter.

"Last year we were not ready because of stoppages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and we played terribly. Losing to Kobala in netball and football was an eye opener but we are back. For netball, we have also to reclaim the regional title and then go for the national crown," said Okore.

Nyakach also won the volleyball title after edging out Koru Girls 3-0. In basketball 3x3, Nyakach also emerged champions to complete four trophies after seeing off St Barnabas 21-7.

Susan Ouma finished with 27 points for Nyakach in the overall score chart followed by her teammates Stacy Adhiambo (26 points) and Mitchel Obonyo (24 points).

Meanwhile, Maseno School thumped Nyabondo 28-0 to win the rugby sevens title.

On the other side, Onjiko Boys beat Maseno 21-20 in the boy's 3x3 final before completing a double by winning the boys' volleyball title. They defeated Chulaimbo Boys 3-0.