The race for the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Girls’ Football title is down to four after the conclusion of the group stage, with Nyakach Girls High School, Raila Educational Centre, Archbishop Njenga Girls High School and St. Joseph’s Girls High School (JOGA) booking their places in the semi-finals.
The final round of preliminary matches produced dominant displays, dramatic qualification battles and confirmed the four schools that will now fight for a place in the national final while also representing Kenya at the 2026 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games.
Nyakach Girls wrapped up an impeccable group stage campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Central Region representatives Kiaritha Girls 20-0 to finish top of Group B with a perfect record.
The Plateau Queens produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament, with Joan Ogola stealing the headlines after scoring six goals. Kenya Under-17 international Beryl Okumu continued her fine form with a hat-trick, taking her tally to five goals in the competition after netting a brace against Kaya Tiwi.
Penina and Nancy each scored twice, while fellow Junior Starlet Emily Adhiambo also bagged a brace. Sheryl added two goals, Mishel was on target once and Nyakach also benefited from an own goal to complete the remarkable scoreline.
Coach Chrispine Odindo’s side head into the knockout stage full of confidence after maintaining their unbeaten run this season. From their preparations during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba launch exhibition match to an unbeaten march through the sub-county, county and regional championships, the Plateau Queens have carried their momentum into the national finals.
The return of Kenya Under-17 internationals Valary Achieng, Beryl Okumu, Emily Adhiambo and Sheila Atieno, alongside defender Idah Matara, has further strengthened Nyakach’s title credentials.
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche was among those in attendance to watch the match as several of Kenya’s brightest young talents took to the field. Joan Ogola’s six-goal performance is also likely to fuel calls for national team recognition after another outstanding display.
Elsewhere in Group B, Raila Educational Centre sealed the second semi-final berth with a convincing 4-0 victory over Karibariba Girls.
In Group A, former champions Archbishop Njenga Girls High School underlined their title credentials with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Thika Girls, while St. Joseph’s Girls High School (JOGA) fought back to earn a crucial 1-1 draw against Kaya Tiwi, a result that was enough to secure the final semi-final spot.
JOGA head coach Francis Ojilo praised his players for showing resilience under pressure.
“We were under pressure because both teams had three points, and we knew we only needed to avoid defeat. The girls showed great character to fight back for the draw that sent us to the semifinals.”
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, Ojilo urged his players to remain composed.
“We must remain disciplined because one mistake could cost us. I’ve told the girls not to panic whether on or off the ball. If we concede early, emotions can affect the game, so tomorrow’s match will require patience and composure.”
The semi-final fixtures are now set, with Nyakach Girls taking on Raila Educational Centre in the first semi-final, while Archbishop Njenga Girls face St. Joseph’s Girls (JOGA) in the second.
With all four semi-finalists having already secured qualification to the FEASSSA Games, attention now shifts to the battle for the national title. Nyakach Girls will be aiming to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2019, Archbishop Njenga will be hoping to add another title to their illustrious history, while Raila Educational Centre and JOGA will be looking to complete memorable runs by reaching the final.
Semi final pairings
Nyakach Girls vs Raila Odinga Education
St Joseph Girls Kitale (JOGA) vs Archbishop Ngenga girls
