This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Meru, Kenya - July 30, 2019
Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association football defending champions Nyanza were eliminated from the competition by Western in a 1-0 loss at the semi-finals stage at Meru Teachers Training College.
Nyanza had drawn 0-0 and 1-1 against Nairobi and Rift Valley respectively and needed to win their final match against Western to qualify for the semis.
However, a solid Western defence frustrated Nyanza's strike force, and a blunder by goalkeeper Tyson Ochieng led to the only goal of the match.
Western's victory marked the end of Nyanza's title defence, while Rift Valley and Coast advanced to the semi-finals.
Coast, who had not lost a match, will face Rift Valley in the semi-finals, while Nairobi will take on Eastern.
Eastern coach Idriss Abdi expressed confidence in his team's chances, saying, 'Our bench was depleted, but the arrival of two players lifted our morale. We are underdogs, but we believe we have a chance. In football, anything is possible.'
Nairobi outclassed Rift Valley 3-1 in a thrilling match, with Shaban Mark scoring a free-header past Rift Valley goalkeeper Ryan Bii, followed by Vincent Omondi's solo effort and Dibon Otieno's lobbed goal.
Rift Valley coach Aaron Kibet vowed to make amends for last year's mistakes by ensuring they lift the cup.
