Kakamega High School will face St. Mary’s Yala in the final of the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games after both teams emerged victorious in thrilling boys’ football semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Green Commandos booked their place in the championship match after edging Menengai High School 2-1 following extra time in one of the tournament’s most entertaining encounters.

Kakamega edge Menengai in extra time

Kakamega High took the lead in the 28th minute through Julius Ochieng, whose curling effort from outside the penalty area left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Menengai responded strongly after the break and drew level in the 72nd minute when Rashid Adika converted a well-struck free kick to force the contest into extra time after the sides finished regulation level at 1-1.

With penalties looming, Daniel Ombati stepped up for the Green Commandos, scoring the winner in the 103rd minute to send Kakamega High into the national final with a 2-1 victory.

St. Mary’s Yala end Takaba’s historic run

In the other semi-final, Nyanza Region champions St. Mary’s Yala defeated North Eastern representatives Takaba Day Mixed Secondary School 2-0 to secure the second spot in the final.

After a tightly contested first half, Yala broke the deadlock in the 70th minute before adding a second goal six minutes later to seal victory.

The defeat brought to an end Takaba Day Mixed’s remarkable campaign, denying the school the chance to become the first team from the North Eastern region to reach the KSSSA national football final.

Boys’ Semi-final Results

• St. Mary’s Yala 2-0 Takaba Day Mixed
• Kakamega High School 2-1 Menengai High School (after extra time)

Nyakach and St. Joseph’s reach girls’ final

In the girls’ competition, St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Archbishop Njenga Girls to advance to the title decider.

They will face Nyakach Girls Secondary School, who continued their impressive run with a commanding 4-0 win over Raila Education Centre in the second semi-final.

Girls’ Semi-final Results

• St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale 1-0 Archbishop Njenga Girls
• Nyakach Girls Secondary School 4-0 Raila Education Centre

The boys’ final will see Kakamega High take on St. Mary’s Yala, while Nyakach Girls and St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale will battle for the girls’ national football crown.