This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
On July 30, 2019, the 2019 Term Two KSSSA games kicked off in Kisumu Day, Moi Stadium, and Kisumu Boys grounds with St. Anthony Kitale and Ebwali making a strong start.
St. Anthony Kitale fought hard to floor Coast champions Shimba Hills 1-0, while Ebwali did the same with hosts Kisumu Day in thrilling opening matches of the competition.
Shimba Hills made a bright start with talisman Omar Yahya rattling the crossbar in the eleventh minute, but their momentum wavered as the game wore on.
St. Anthony Kitale's second-half goal from a Daniel Msamali free-kick settled the tie, allowing the Rift Valley champions to prevail.
After the match, St. Anthony Kitale Coach Peter Mayoyo congratulated his charges for the scrappy win, saying, 'The kick-off games are normally difficult because everyone wants to win. That's why it was tough to score for everyone.'
He noted that his team would approach the next clash differently, owing to the morphing nature of different opponents.
Shimba Hills Coach Haji Hamisi Marumu was furious with the referee's performances, saying he overlooked many of the fouls that his players committed.
Elsewhere, Ebwali Coach Francis Muhambe expressed his satisfaction with his team's exploits, saying, 'First of all, we thank God for the win. I was sure of a victory in this game because I'm experienced at the nationals.'
Kisumu Day will kick off the second day of the tournament on Wednesday, when they lock horns with Dagoretti Boys in the 9:00 AM fixture.
