Highway Secondary School from Nairobi and Butere Girls High School from Mumias have emerged as the 2024 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National football champions.

In a thrilling final on Thursday afternoon, ten-man Highway secured the boys’ football title by defeating Musingu School 3-2 in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, leading to extra time, but neither team could find a winner, forcing the game into penalties.

Musingu took the lead in the 14th minute through Elvis Ochieng, who capitalized on a mistake by Highway’s goalkeeper, Boaz Mushiri. Mushiri failed to secure a deflected cross from Harrison Amalemba, allowing Ochieng to score with a simple tap-in.

The early goal spurred Highway into action, with their key players, Humphrey Aroko and Alvin Oloo, taking control of the game. Their partnership paid off in the 32nd minute when Aroko delivered a precise pass to Oloo, who unleashed a stunning 20-yard strike that beat Musingu’s goalkeeper, Arnold Chivachi, leveling the match at 1-1.

In the girls’ final, Butere Girls retained their title by defeating Nyakach Girls 2-0 in a match played at Gusii Stadium in Kisii. Lorna Faith gave Butere the lead in the 18th minute, and Mercy Sakwa secured the victory with a 72nd-minute penalty.

Despite the loss, Musingu School will still represent Kenya at the East Africa games in Uganda later this month, along with Highway and St Joseph Boys Kitale. St Joseph Boys secured their spot with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Kirangari in the third-place playoff.

In the girls’ category, St Joseph Girls Kitale claimed third place by defeating Kombani 1-0, also qualifying for the East Africa games.

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