Kakamega High School are back on top of Kenyan school football after defeating St. Mary’s Yala 3-2 in an enthralling Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national football final played on Thursday at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika.
The Green Commandos staged a remarkable comeback to end a seven-year title drought and claim a record-extending 13th KSSSA football championship, while St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale (JOGA) made history by winning their first-ever girls’ national football title.
Kakamega High School Reclaim KSSSA Football Crown
The highly anticipated boys’ final, dubbed the “mini-Mashemeji derby” by football fans, lived up to expectations with five goals, dramatic twists and extra-time heroics.
Kakamega High School got off to a dream start when Eugene Mbeleti headed home from a corner in just the third minute, giving the Green Commandos an early 1-0 advantage.
The Western Region champions almost doubled their lead moments later, but Julius Ochieng’s powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.
Despite the early setback, St. Mary’s Yala gradually settled into the contest and began threatening through quick counterattacks.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Collins Otieno curled home a stunning free-kick to level the score at 1-1 before halftime.
St. Mary’s Yala Turn the Match Around
Yala carried their momentum into the second half and completed the comeback in the 60th minute.
Edwin Ochieng found the back of the net to hand the Nyanza giants a 2-1 lead, putting Kakamega under immense pressure.
With the advantage in hand, Yala dropped deeper to protect their lead, frustrating Kakamega with disciplined defending as the clock ticked down.
Derrick Wanyonyi Forces Extra Time
Just when it looked like Yala would lift the trophy, Kakamega found a lifeline.
In the 82nd minute, Derrick Wanyonyi curled a brilliant low strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-2 and send the final into extra time.
The equaliser completely shifted the momentum as Kakamega pressed for a winner during the additional 30 minutes.
Eugene Mbeleti Becomes the Hero
The decisive moment arrived in the 110th minute.
Eugene Mbeleti completed his brace by calmly finishing inside the penalty area to restore Kakamega’s lead at 3-2.
Julius Ochieng nearly wrapped up the victory moments later, only for his powerful effort to strike the woodwork for the second time in the match.
Yala threw everything forward in the closing stages but Kakamega defended resolutely to secure their historic victory.
Following the final whistle, Mbeleti praised his teammates after delivering the winning performance.
“I’m happy to help my team win the title today. We have really worked hard for the title and our efforts paid off.”
The triumph marks Kakamega High School’s first national football title since 2019 and extends their record as the most successful school in KSSSA football history with 13 championships.
JOGA Win Maiden Girls’ Football Title
The girls’ final also produced unforgettable drama.
St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale (JOGA) defeated tournament favourites Nyakach Girls 7-6 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
Nyakach dominated the opening exchanges, with Junior Starlets sensation Joan Ogola causing constant problems down the wing.
Their pressure finally yielded results in the 28th minute when Idah Matara scored after reacting quickest to a rebound.
However, JOGA restored parity just two minutes later through Miriam Silali, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to chip the goalkeeper.
Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of regulation time or extra time, forcing the championship to be decided by penalties.
JOGA kept their composure during the shootout, emerging 7-6 winners after Joan Ogola and Beryl Awuor missed crucial spot-kicks for Nyakach.
Head coach Francis Ojilo praised his players for their determination and mental strength.
“I want to hail my girls’ mental strength which has been instrumental for this win. We fell behind but the girls fought well and held on to the last kick of the game. I’m very proud of them.”
Memorable End to the 2026 KSSSA Football Championships
The 2026 KSSSA National Games delivered two unforgettable football finals in Thika.
Kakamega High School reclaimed the boys’ title with a dramatic comeback that reaffirmed their status as Kenya’s most successful school football team.
Meanwhile, JOGA celebrated a historic breakthrough by lifting their first national girls’ football trophy, capping off an outstanding tournament.
FAQs
Who won the 2026 KSSSA boys’ football title?
Kakamega High School defeated St. Mary’s Yala 3-2 after extra time to win the championship.
How many KSSSA football titles has Kakamega High School won?
Kakamega High School has now won a record 13 KSSSA national football titles.
Who scored for Kakamega High School in the final?
Eugene Mbeleti scored twice, while Derrick Wanyonyi added the equaliser.
Who won the girls’ KSSSA football title?
St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale (JOGA) won their maiden national title after defeating Nyakach Girls 7-6 on penalties.