The race for national school football bragging rights has entered its decisive stage after a thrilling round of group-stage matches produced the semi-finalists in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Several teams impressed with dominant performances, while some former champions suffered early exits as the competition delivered plenty of drama and goals.

Takaba make history with first-ever semi-final qualification

Mandera-based Takaba Day Secondary School achieved a historic milestone after defeating Tumaini Boys 4-2 to book their place in the boys’ semi-finals for the first time in the school’s history.

The victory marked a memorable moment for the team, which has continued to make progress on the national stage and now stands just two matches away from competing for the national title.

Highway eliminated on head-to-head rule

Highway Secondary School exited the competition despite finishing level on points with Menengai High School after the final Group B standings were decided by the head-to-head rule.

St. Mary’s Yala topped the group, while Menengai secured second place to advance to the semi-finals. Highway finished third after the tiebreak criteria were applied, bringing their campaign to an end.

The elimination came despite Highway’s impressive 2-0 victory over St. Mary’s Yala, with the defending 2024 champions unable to progress from a tightly contested group. Menengai, meanwhile, sealed their semi-final place after edging Highway on the head-to-head rule.

Menengai and Kakamega seal last-four spots

Menengai High School continued their impressive campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Tononoka Boys to confirm their place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Kakamega High School also booked their spot in the last four after defeating St. Philip’s Baricho Boys 4-1.

The two football powerhouses will now face off in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated semi-final clashes.

Raila education centre and Kaya Tiwi impress

In the girls’ category, Raila Education Centre strengthened their title credentials with a commanding 4-0 victory over Karibaribi Secondary School.

Kaya Tiwi and St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw as the girls’ competition continued to produce entertaining contests.

Nyakach Girls register record-breaking victory

Nyakach Girls Secondary School produced one of the biggest wins of the tournament, thrashing Kiaritha Secondary School 20-0 in their final group-stage match.

The Nyanza Region champions from Kisumu dominated from the opening whistle, overwhelming the Kirinyaga representatives in a ruthless attacking display.

Elsewhere, Archbishop Njenga Girls High School defeated Thika Girls 8-0, while Raila Education Centre maintained their impressive run and St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale also secured qualification for the semi-finals.

Confirmed Semi-final Fixtures

Boys

• Kakamega High School vs Menengai High School
• Takaba Day Mixed Secondary School vs St. Mary’s Yala

Girls

• Nyakach Girls Secondary School vs Raila Education Centre
• St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale vs Archbishop Njenga Girls High School