Kwale, Makueni through to KYISA quarters

Kwale and Makueni County men football teams stormed to the quarter finals of the ongoing Kenya Youth Inter-counties (KYISA) fourth edition which entered day four at Unoa Grounds in Makueni County.

Hosts Makueni were the first side to sail through following a dramatic 6-5 post-match shootout win over Elgeyo Marakwet after the round of 16 tie had ended 0-0 in regular and extra times.

The Richard Kanyi-coached side squandered a penalty they won in the second half with their opponents also missing clear chances in dying moments of the extra time sending the tie to  the shootouts after the stalemate.

In a post-match interview with Citizen Digital Kanyi congratulated his boys after the hard fought win against their opponents whom he said they were the toughest side so far.

“We knew it won’t be just a walk in the park against Elgeyo Marakwet because before making it to the last 16 they downed former champions Kajiado in preliminary matches. We have now to focus on our next match and were taking one game at a time,” said Kanyi who was ousted as the Harambee Starlets tactician few weeks ago.

Kanyi’s opponent John Kibet who guided his side to reach knockout stages for the first time rued missed chances for the loss.

“For sure luck was not on our side and we should have won this match but no problem there is always next time and we wish Makueni all the best,” Kibet told Citizen Digital.

Makueni will face Isiolo in the last eight on Friday morning after the latter edged Kirinyaga 1-0 to sail through.

In other matches, the 2015 champions Kwale thrashed 2016 semi finalists Meru 3-1 to make it the quarters as they quest to reclaim their title they last won on their home soil three years ago.

Kwale led 3-0 first half before Fabian Kimathi scored a consolation goal for his side in the dying moments of the tie.

The coastal side will now square it in the last eight with Nakuru who downed 2014 first edition hosts Laikipia 1-0 in their en route the quarters.

Inaugural competition winners Kajiado saw off Tana River 4-2 in a penalty shootout after 1-1 stalemate booking last eight berth against Nyandarua.

Kitui will face Turkana in the quarters after they edged Kiambu 2-1 with their next opponents downing Embu men 2-1 in the knockout stage.

The last eight fixates are set to be played on Friday morning before semi fianls take place in the afternoon.

Quarter-final Draw

Makueni Vs Isiolo

Kwale Vs Nakuru

Kitui Vs Turkana

Nyandarua Vs Kajiado