After three matchdays in which the big boys of secondary schools tried to avoid meeting each other in the first knockout phase the die is cast as hosts Shanderema are drawn against St Anthony’s Boys while Nairobi’s Dagoretti High have a date with destiny Nyanza’s Agoro Sare.
Dago upset St Anthony’s 1-0 in Group B’s final fixture to top the pool and as a result, got paid with Group A’s second-placed Agoro Sare who failed to dislodge Shanderema from the top spot.
Dagoretti drew first blood when in the 25th minute Dismas Ongocho turned their dominance into the lead with a brilliant goal scored from distance.
Dago had until then run the show without inflicting any damage to seasoned participants at the national stage St Anthony’s Boys.
They could have added to their tally were it not for St. Anthony’s custodian Lazarus Odhiambo who pulled miraculous saves to deny Thierry Henry and Meshack Nyabuto before half-time.
Dago carried their lead into the 2nd half with St Anthony’s pressing for a leveler which nearly arrived in the 70th minute.
St Anthony’s aerial threats invaded Dago’s goal area to attack a corner and their exciting defender Amos Wanjala connected powerfully with the in-swinger.
It took marvelous reflexes by Dago’s goalkeeper Kessing Ocharo to deny Wanjala and St Anthony’s what seemed to be certain goal.
The keeper was called upon again in the last minute of the game as he punched off Kevin Musambai’s header onto the crossbar and out to safety as Dago held on for the victory.
St Anthony’s and Shanderema will play the first semi tomorrow at Bukhungu Stadium before Agor Sare and Dagoretti take to the pitch.
