Kibet the hero as Solidarity Boys down Dagoretti to claim national school games title

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SCHOOL GAMES: Kibet the hero as Solidarity Boys down Dagoretti to claim national school games title

Joel Omotto 16:30 - 12.08.2023

The midfielder showed why he is highly-rated with his double as St Anthony’s made it six national titles with both sides set to represent Kenya at East Africa School Games

Midfield maestro Aldrine Kibet scored a brace as St Anthony's Boys Kitale claimed a sixth national title at the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) games following a 2-0 win over 2019 finalists Dagoretti High School from Nairobi at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Saturday.

Solidarity Boys, as St Anthony's are commonly known, dominated the first half and their enterprising display was rewarded with an early goal when Kibet netted his first.

St Anthony's continued imposing themselves on the game with Kibet, Joseph Omuse, Javan Omondi and Allan Kasavuli a thorn in the Dagoretti flesh but they could not add onto their tally as the first half ended 1-0.

The rift Valley side then took their foot off the pedal and gave Dagoretti impetus although the Nairobi representatives could not find the target, coming close a number of times, but the St Anthony’s goalkeeper Evans Enares thwarted a number of attempts.

There was a moment of worry for St Anthony’s when Kibet went down holding his hamstring but he was soon up and continued to play. However, they still lacked the spark and sharpness of the first half, opting for a cautious approach to see out the game.

But as the game wore on, Kibet came up with another top goal, firing in a stunning strike, two minutes from time to make the result safe for his team.

St Anthony’s had advanced to the final after beating Friends School Shanderema in the semi-final while Dagoretti went through following a 3-0 victory over Agoro Sare 3-0 on post-match penalties, having drawn 1-1 in regulation time.

It is now six titles for the Kitabe-based side, who had lost to Dogoretti at the group stage, while the Nairobi representatives’ hopes of winning a title that eluded them in 2019 went up in smoke yet again.

However, both sides, alongside Shanderema, who finished third, will represent Kenya at the East Africa Secondary School games in Rwanda from August 17-27.

The 2023 games have witnessed a new champion after holders Ebwali failed to make it to the nationals.

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