St John’s upset Kerugoya Girls

• Mombasa side recovers to slay East and Central Africa hockey champions in championships at Maseno

East and Central Africa schools’ hockey champions Kerugoya Girls suffered an upset on Wednesday, going down 2-1 to St. John’s Kaloleni, Mombasa, at the ongoing Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Term One games in Maseno.

Kerugoya began the game well, knowing a win would book them a place in the semi-finals and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 33rd minute through Evelyn Njogu.

The goal inspired the champions who almost doubled their lead but were denied by good defending from St. John’s. Kerugoya were leading 1-0 at the break.

Upon resumption, St John’s returned stronger as they threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser which came in the 40th minute through Irene Miruga following a short corner.

Late winner

The goal disorganised Kerugoya who started making costly mistakes as St. John’s believed in the impossible. After a wave of attacks, the winner came in the 60th minute when Everline Mwasehe sneaked past Kerugoya defence to score past Kerugoya goalkeeper Sarah Karanja.

Kerugoya were left fuming at the manner of the defeat after dominating the game for long spells. They head to a must-win game against Butere Girls.

In another match, Asumbi girls overpowered Butere Girls 2-0.

In the boys’ category, Friends School Kamusinga rallied from two goals down to hold Lenana School 2-2 in a thrilling match. Lenana had raced to a 2-0 lead and were smelling victory after drawing their first game against Orero Boys on Tuesday.

But Kamusinga duo of Grant Wandegu and Hillary Otieno had other ideas as they scored two quick goals to level terms.

The nine-time champions returned strongly in the second-half and scored two goals in a minute through prolific striker Moses Ademba.

Both teams sought the winner in vain as the two defences were in top form as the match ended in a stalemate.

The result will suit Kamusinga, who top the pool with four points, while Lenana have two points.

In another group match, Kangaru Boys rallied from two goals down to hold Orero Boys 3-3 in a fascinating match. Lenana play Kangaru while Orero face Kamusinga, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.