Former champions St Anthony's Kitale beat Kisumu Day as national Term One games kick off in Kisumu

Valentine Wamukota of Moi Girls' Kamusinga goes for the goal against Nyakach Girls/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Former hockey champions St Antony’s Kitale started their hunt for the Brookside national secondary schools Term One games on a winning note, edging hosts Kisumu Day 1-0 on Tuesday.

The team’s superstar, Kevin Onyango, scored for the Les Taitans in the tightly contested opening game.

St Anthony’s Kitale Kevin Lugalia said they want to reclaim the title they last won in 2022.

“The competition is not easy. All the teams are well prepared for this championship. There is no room for slip-ups. Getting three points here was not a joke,” said Lugalia. 

They are now keen to beat Alliance in their second game on Wednesday and qualify for the semi-finals. 

Former champions Alliance High announced their return to the national showpiece after a 2-0 win over Mbooni High School. Laban Yegon and Elias Wafula scored for the Central region champions.

In the girls’ category, Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association bronze medalists Ng’iya Girls' signalled their intention to lift the trophy after beating Mwiki Girls 1-0 in a tightly contested game. Quincy Akinyi scored the vital goal for the Rock Jaguars.

Ng’iya coach Oduor Nyadida said they are yearning for a second win when they face AIC Nyayo in their second game.

“It was a tough game, but I’m happy with the win. We want to win our second game and progress to the semi-final,” said Nyadida.

MPesa Foundation Academy and AIC Nyayo battled to a barren draw in another encounter.

In handball, defending girls’ champions Moi Girls Kamusinga started their title defence with a 27-19 win over Nyanza’s Nyakach Girls'.

In boys' handball, Musingu High beat St Mary's Yala 46-26, while Kaya Tiwi hit Ikutha Girls' 65-45 in girls' basketball.