St. Mary’s School Yala’s remarkable fairy-tale journey at the 2026 KSSSA National Games has reached its biggest moment yet, with the Nyanza champions securing a place in the boys’ football final on their national debut after defeating Takaba Mixed Day 2-0 at the M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika.

The Black Saints, under head coach V.O. Makanda, have defied expectations throughout the tournament and now stand one victory away from completing one of the most remarkable debut campaigns in recent KSSSA history.

Goals from Arnold in the 70th minute and Enock Mwagadi seven minutes later were enough to send Yala through, ending Takaba’s historic run and setting up a dream final against record champions Kakamega High School.

Yala’s journey has been particularly impressive considering the setback they suffered just a day earlier. Highway Secondary School ended their long unbeaten run with a 2-0 defeat, raising doubts about whether the debutants could recover quickly enough to make the final.

But the Black Saints responded when it mattered most.

They produced a disciplined and determined performance against Takaba, remaining patient before finding the breakthrough late in the second half. Arnold finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, before Mwagadi struck seven minutes later to settle the contest and send the Nyanza representatives into their maiden national final.

For a side that had never previously reached the national stage, the achievement is already historic. They arrived in Thika as outsiders after an unbeaten journey through the sub-county, county and regional championships and have now gone all the way to the final.

Standing between them and a maiden national title will be Kakamega High School, who had to dig deep to overcome Menengai High School in a dramatic semi-final that went into extra time.

The Green Commandos appeared on course for victory after tournament standout Julius Ochieng, popularly known as Agwambo, produced another moment of brilliance to give Kakamega the lead with a superb strike.

Menengai, however, refused to surrender. A brilliantly executed free-kick brought them level and forced the match into extra time, leaving Kakamega facing the possibility of their impressive return to the national stage ending at the final hurdle.

The Western giants responded strongly in the additional period.

In the 103rd minute, Denis Ombati restored Kakamega’s advantage, reacting quickest after the goalkeeper had parried an initial effort and heading the rebound into the net.

The goal proved decisive as Kakamega held on to secure their place in the final and keep alive their hopes of adding another national title to their illustrious history.

The final now brings together two teams whose journeys could hardly be more different. Kakamega are one of the most decorated schools in Kenyan football, returning to the national stage after an eight-year absence, while Yala are experiencing the national championship for the first time.

It is also expected to be an emotionally charged encounter, with several Kakamega players set to face former teammates from the Black Stars setup, adding another intriguing storyline to an already highly anticipated final.

For Yala, it is a chance to crown a historic debut with the biggest prize in school football. For Kakamega, it is an opportunity to mark their long-awaited return with another national championship.

It is the final many fans wanted and on Wednesday, the dream showdown becomes reality.