St Joseph’s Girls Kitale, popularly known as JOGA, were crowned KSSSA National Football champions for the first time on Thursday, edging out tournament favourites Nyakach Girls 7-6 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw through normal and extra time at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy.
The Rift Valley representatives came into the final looking to avenge an earlier group-stage defeat, having lost 2-0 to Nyakach in the pool phase. Coach Francis Ojilo’s side made good on that promise, producing a resilient performance against a Nyakach team chasing a first national title since 2019.
JOGA had booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 win over former champions Archbishop Njenga Girls in the semi-final, a victory settled by a Purity Nechesa strike.
Nyakach, meanwhile, arrived in ominous form, having thrashed Raila Education Centre 4-0 in their own semi-final behind goals from Emily Adhiambo, Penina Akoth, Nancy Anyango and Nelly Chivisti.
The final itself lived up to its billing, with the two sides unable to be separated, ending 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time, forcing a shootout to decide the destination of the trophy.
JOGA held their nerve when it mattered most, converting enough spot-kicks to see off their Nyanza opponents 7-6 and end their long wait for a national football crown.
The win completes a redemption arc for JOGA, who had spoken openly about wanting to atone for their group-stage loss to Nyakach. It also continues a strong overall campaign for the school across multiple disciplines at this year’s Term Two Games, having already secured qualification through other sports earlier in the season.
For Nyakach, the defeat ends hopes of reclaiming a title they last won in 2019, but the team’s run to the final will still count as a positive step as they look ahead to future campaigns.
The post KSSSA: St Joseph’s Girls stun favourites Nyakach in penalty shootout to lift maiden title appeared first on KBC Digital.