Newbies Ng'iya Girls and defending champions Tigoi dominate nationals

Ng'iya Girls captain Faith Awuor in action during the KSSSA National Term One games at Shanzu TTC on April 8, 2025.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Debutants Ng'iya Girls High School on Tuesday came from a goal down to stun Mpesa Academy 2-1 to kick off their Brookside KSSSA National Term One debut on the front foot.

Anita Wangui gave the Central Region champions the lead after scoring in the 10th minute for a 1-0 first quarter lead.

Despite dominating play with Gloria Kanene and Doreen Khayeri giving the Nyanza champions difficult time in the midfield, the Siaya County based outfit struck back in the second quarter.

Attacking midfielder Lucy Akoth picked up the ball from the midfield and dribbled past the Mpesa defense before hitting a low cross into the box that was tapped in by Verion Oduogo for 1-1 tie at the break.

The third quarter saw Ng'iya continue with their attack in search of the lead but Valentine Pariot made some excellent saves to deny the Nyanza queens.

In the final quarter, Mpesa missed two one-on-one goal scoring opportunities, goals that would have buried Ng'iya who needed to win to keep up with their closest challengers Tigoi Girls, the defending champions who thrashed St John's Kaloleni 6-0 to top Group B.

However, it was Ng'iya who pulled a shocker when they scored with the last minute of play when Virginia Moraa sounded the bar with the last kick of play.

Speaking after the win, Ng'iya Girls coach Edwin Ogony said perseverance, endurance and faith helped them win.

"We never gave up on ourselves despite conceding first. We started the match well but some poor decision making saw our opponents take the lead.

"I am impressed with the response from the girls who believed we could win it even on the dying minutes. We build on this win," said Ogony.

Tigoi lead the group with three points and six goals followed by Ng'iya with three points but one goal. Mpesa are third and St John's Kaloleni bottom.