Wiyeta, Kwanthaze secure Kenya FEASSA titles in Uganda

Diana Tembesi kept out three spot kicks as national champions Wiyeta edged Kawempe Muslim 3-1 on post match penalties to lift the girls’ football title at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSA) Games in Gulu, Uganda.

Home fans watched in horror as Tembesi denied Yudaya Nakayenza, Grace Aluka and Stella Musibika from six yards out to decide the tie that had ended in a one-all draw in regulation period.

Gentrix Shikangwa had earlier on given Kenya the advantage after 23 minutes before Juliet Nalukenze equalized with only seven minutes left of the clock and forcing the game into extra time.

Only Hasifa Nassuna converted her spot kick for Kawempe with Laventine Amunyolet, Shikangwa and Silvia Munyasia scoring for the now three-time champions. Martha Amunyolet’s effort was saved by Kawempe’s keeper Juliet Andeko.

Their triumph brought home the title last won by a Kenyan side in 2013 by Tartar when the competition was staged in Lira, some 70 kilometers South of Gulu town.

“We feel so good to win this tournament the game was very hard but we controlled it we had a lot of respect for our opponents and they had support from the fans but that did not scare us,” penalty hero Tembesi said after the match.

In girls’ volleyball, another national champion soared top of the region as Kwanthaze overpowered a hard-fighting St Alloys side of Rwanda 3-1 (23-25 25-11 25-19 25-14) as Kenya enjoyed a bountiful harvest on the final day of the competitions.

The national champions, who missed last year’s event due to suspension, began on the wrong footing after losing the first set 25-23 but recovered spectacularly to clinch the title.

“I could tell my girls had very poor reception and the Rwandese team knew it. They took full advantage of the situation but we never gave them a chance after that first set,” Kwanthaze Coach Justine Kigwara said.

“We’re back with a bang,” captain Gladys Ekari said.

-Philip Muchiri is reporting from Gulu, Uganda.