Dagoretti block Beldine Odemba's Highway in thrilling Nairobi region final

Photo Credit: Chris Omollo

SCHOOL GAMES: Dagoretti block Beldine Odemba's Highway in thrilling Nairobi region final

Mark Kinyanjui 17:59 - 18.07.2023

A Dhor Kang's belter was enough to see Dagoretti High School edge Beldine Odemba's Highway High School 1-0 in the boys' football final of the just-concluded Nairobi Regional Games

Dagoretti High School reigned supreme over Beldine Odemba’s Highway High School with a 1-0 win over the side, storming into the Nationals Games set to take place in Kakamega in August in a match played at the Moi Girls Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon.

Dagoretti were clearly superior all first half and started very brightly, with winger Joash Ayiega creating two good chances in the opening five minutes, giving the Highway left back a couple of problems. 

Highway however, momentarily had a chance to move ahead against the run of play when Fred Juma whipped in a good cross towards Athumani Charo, but the forward headed it just wide.

Dagoretti continued to knock on the door, and finally went ahead in the 30th minute through Dhour Kang, who unleashed a ferocious shot that Dennis Orhui could not save, sending the Ditchez faithful into frenzy.

Highway coach Beldine Odemba needed answers and decided to make an early substitution, subbing on Mike Adira for Athumani in the 35th minute.

Lazarus Jakoro should have put Dagoretti two goals to the good when he attempted a good shot from the edge of the box, but it went just over the bar. Halftime the score, 1-0 to Dagoretti.

Highway started more brightly in the second half as Odemba’s words at half-time surely must have inspired them to add some intensity.

Just five minutes into the second half, Peter Mutua timed a ferocious shot that forced Brandon Omondi into making an excellent save following a well taken corner kick routine.

Highway started trying to create more chances and were beginning to grow in confidence. Dagoretti were pushed back, and the only chances they were creating were from counter-attacking situations and long shots, and Kang nearly added a second in almost similar version, with another ferocious shot, but Orthui got the better of him this time.

However, they could not find a way to find a way to equalize as the clock kept ticking towards the end. 

Dagoretti High School reigned supreme over Beldine Odemba’s Highway High School with a 1-0 win over the side, storming into the Nationals Games set to take place in Kakamega in August in a match played at the Moi Girls Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon.

Dagoretti were clearly superior all first half and started very brightly, with winger Joash Ayiega creating two good chances in the opening five minutes, giving the Highway left back a couple of problems. 

Highway however, momentarily had a chance to move ahead against the run of play when Fred Juma whipped in a good cross towards Athumani Charo, but the forward headed it just wide.

Dagoretti continued to knock on the door, and finally went ahead in the 22th minute through Dhour Kang, who unleashed a ferocious shot that Dennis Orhui could not save, sending the Ditchez faithful into frenzy.

Highway coach Beldine Odemba needed answers and decided to make an early substitution, subbing on Mike Adira for Athumani in the 35th minute.

Lazarus Jakoro should have put Dagoretti two goals to the good when he attempted a good shot from the edge of the box, but it went just over the bar. Halftime the score, 1-0 to Dagoretti.

Highway started more brightly in the second half as Odemba’s words at half-time surely must have inspired them to add some intensity.

Just five minutes into the second half, Peter Mutua timed a ferocious shot that forced Brandon Omondi into making an excellent save following a well taken corner kick routine.

Highway started trying to create more chances and were beginning to grow in confidence. Dagoretti were pushed back, and the only chances they were creating were from counter-attacking situations and long shots, and Kang nearly added a second in almost similar version, with another ferocious shot, but Orthui got the better of him this time.

However, they could not find a way to find a way to equalize as the clock kept ticking towards the end. 

“We had prepared for them. We knew it would be tough but we thank God. It means alot,” Dagoretti Head Coach Joseph Makhoha said.

Highway head coach Beldine Odemba believes luck was not on her team’s side despite posessing “the best team in Nairobi”

“I have a good team. We played well but were unlucky. That is the name of the game. We win some and lose some.”

Dagoretti will now take part in the national games set to take place from 6th to 12th August at Kakamega High School.

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