Kibabii reach Western Region football semi-finals with one game to go

Kibabii secured the semi-finals of the football tournament after claiming two wins with a game to spare in the ongoing Western Region Secondary Schools Term Two ball matches at Bungoma High School.

Two goals from Brighton Jack gave the Bungoma school their second win against Chavakali (2-0), following their 1-0 victory over John Osogo on Wednesday.

Captain Ian Kibet said their target is nothing less than winning the regional title ahead of the national championships taking place in Kisumu next week.

“We have been looking forward to this title for a long time and I hope we can keep the momentum going and go to Kisumu,” said Kibet.

He said that as captain he had to take charge to ensure they won their final match against Munyuki from Kakamega.

“We aim to finish first in the group, maintain the lead until the semi-finals and win the overall title. We will follow the instructions of our coach to the letter,” he added.

In another match in Pool ‘A’ at the same venue, Munyuki defeated Chavakali 2-0 with David Osango scoring twice. Munyuki coach Enock Kimutai remained optimistic that they would reach the final.

In girls’ football, Madira played out a narrow draw against Brenda Girls in the opening match of Pool A, while Archbishop Njenga recorded a similar score against Kingadole.

In volleyball, reigning East African champions Namwela (boys) and multiple national champions Lugulu (girls) also reached the semi-finals.

On their way to defending the title, Namwela recorded easy victories over Vihiga and Katakwa by a similar 3-0 margin. They defeated Vihiga 25-15, 25-15, 25-15 and defeated Katakwa 25-15, 25-09, 25-15 to reach Friday’s semi-finals.

Namwela coach Isaac Muresha said they are looking beyond the national championships. “We are here with the sole aim of defending our title, but the ultimate goal is to retain the East African crown,” he said.

Lugulu from Bungoma had to work extra hard to beat the reigning champion Mwitoti from Kakamega in a thrilling five-set match.

Lugulu came back from a set down to beat Mwitoti 3-2 (26-24, 27-25, 5-25, 22-25,12-15). Lugulu defeated Mudavadi Girls from Vihiga 3-0 25-08, 25-08, 25-10.

In other girls volleyball, Mwitoti defeated Kongadole from Busia 3-0 (25-07, 25-09, 25-12). It was a bad day at the office for Kingadole as they also lost to Muvadavi Girls 3-1 (25-12, 22-25, 25-21,25-16).

In Pool B, Butere defeated Amukura 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-14), while Miruri defeated Chamakanga by a similar set margin of 25-19, 25-11, 25-17.