This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On a tense Monday at Meru Teachers College grounds, the Eastern Region football team fought hard to secure a 1-1 draw against Coast, amidst a crackdown on age cheating in this year's Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) ball games.
Published on July 29, 2019, the team's efforts were marred by the dismissal of four players from Marsabit County, who could not verify their age as below 15.
Coast took advantage of Eastern's woes, scoring through Samson Fondo shortly before half-time, following a well-coordinated move with Eric Kiraga.
Eastern's troubles deepened when defender Ramadhan Adan was forced off due to injury, leaving the technical bench with no further substitutions.
However, prolific striker Julius Murithi salvaged a point for Eastern with a brilliant solo move, scoring his third goal in the regional competition.
Eastern coach Idriss Abdi acknowledged his team's depleted state but expressed confidence that they would still qualify for the semis.
Elsewhere, defending champions Nyanza were held to a 0-0 draw by a strong Nairobi side, which also thrashed Western 3-1.
Nyanza's keeper Tyson and his defence, led by Kelvin Otieno, had a busy time keeping off the dangerous Nairobi side in an entertaining fixture.
Nyanza coach Silo Fredrick praised the improved Nairobi team, whom they defeated 4-2 in last year's edition.
"We were cautious since we hadn't learned their game, but hope to improve. We are confident that we will improve on our weaknesses, especially defence and midfield," said Silo.
