Green Commandos lose to LDK, blow title dream

Kakamega High School’s search for a maiden East African title proved elusive yet again as they were knocked out 2-0 by Rwandan champions Lycee de Kigali (LDK) at the Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze, Rwanda.

LDK punished the Green Commandos for two costly mistakes from its defenders in the last quarter-hour to going 2-0 up after an opening period of sustained pressure the 13-time Kenyan champions.

Abdul Nahimanya scored a spectacular overhead off a failed clearance for the opener before Claude Harerimana gave his a two-goal insurance with five minutes left to throw the home fans into a frenzy.
LDK will play Buddo SS in the final after the Ugandan champions defeated their compatriots St Mary’s Kimaanya 5-3 in the shootout when the match ended 0-0 in regulation time.
“We failed to rise up to the occasion. The boys came into the clash a bit low and I have to wonder whether they underrated the opponent. Such is the cruelty of football but we’ll sit them down and find out what happened.

“We’ve been trying to go past the semi-final but luck has been hard on us. This is not the time to get demotivated and I’m actually proud because we’ve moved Kenya this far. We have to move on and try to build again,” Kakamega head coach Brendan Mwinamo told Citizen Digital.

Dan Oloo missed a free header from point blank range before Ronald Ashimoto had a headed effort denied by the crossbar as Kakamega chased the game in what highlighted a frustrating afternoon for Mwanimo’s charges.

In girls’ semis, Kwale trumped Mukono High of Uganda 3-0 to set up a finals date with another Ugandan side Kawempe who defeated hosts Remera Rukoma 5-3 on post-match penalties.

In girls’ handball final, Kenya’s Kamusinga missed out on the title as Kibuli SS of Uganda won 20-19 after a tight contest. Kenyans Sega defeated Rwanda’s ES kirambo 20-16 in the third-place play-off to claim the bronze finish.

Kenyan volleyball champions Malava Boys swept to the final after a straight sets victory over hosts while Cheptil, who were lost to holders Kwanthanze in the semis, defeated IPRC Kigali 3-0 in the play-off to take the third place.