Musingu Boys triumph in Western regional final, end 19-year title drought

Musingu Boys were crowned Western Schools Regional Boys Football Champions after narrowly defeating Munyuki Secondary 2-1, reclaiming a title they last won 19 years ago. The team was led by Anan Okumu, the younger brother of Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu.

However, Musingu Boys’ victory over Munyuki was marred by controversy. Their earlier semi-final match against Kibaabii Secondary at Bungoma High School was abandoned after Musingu fans, angered by a red card issued to their defender,

stormed the field.

Western Regional Schools Games Secretary Quinto Omugusu and the region’s results and logistics coordinator Stephen Ludia reported that the abandoned semi-final was relocated to Friends School Kamusinga (FSK). In the replay, Musingu edged Kibaabii 2-1 to advance to the regional final.

Munyuki qualified for the final by defeating Bukembe 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Munyuki’s goals in the semi-final were scored by Bravin Walutiva, Jerrymody Oguye, and Washington Wangusi, while Delvin Vurache missed a penalty. Bukembe’s goals came from David Juma, Jackson Mandago, and Joseph Omuse, with Michael Wanalwa and Joseph Angatia failing to convert their penalties.

The final, held at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma County, was attended by a large crowd of football enthusiasts. Munyuki took the lead in the 20th minute with a goal from Samuel Barasa, who evaded the defense to score past Musingu Boys’ goalkeeper Arnold Shivachi. Musingu equalized in the 40th minute with a penalty converted by Kevin Mukaramoja, awarded after he was fouled in the box by a Munyuki defender.

The decisive goal came in regular extra time when Marvin Ashiundu scored from a cross by Harrison Amalemba, securing the 2-1 victory for Musingu Boys.

In an exclusive interview with People Sport, Musingu Boys’ games teacher and coach Branson Mwenamo said, “Nobody believed Musingu could win the regional boys’ football championship. We were the underdogs. The last time Musingu clinched the regional final was 19 years ago, so this victory was a surprise to many in the region.”

Mwenamo credited the win to Anan Okumu, the younger brother of Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu, and former Kenya Premier League player with Chemelil Sugar FC, who now plays in France’s Ligue 1 for Stade de Reims.

 “Besides Anan Okumu’s outstanding performance, his teammates Ashiundu, Mukaramoja, and team captain Austin Oluoch played crucial roles in our victory,” Mwenamo added.

In a separate interview, Munyuki coach Benson Muyando admitted that his team was unfortunate during the final and did not perform well.

“We have learned our lessons and will go back to the drawing board to strategize and win the regional title next year,” Muyando said.