KU Hard Nuts set for UoE showdown in KUSF final Reigning
Reigning champions Kenyatta University (KU) Hard Nuts will face hosts University of Eldoret (UoE) in the football final of the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) National Games on Friday.
The two sides played out a barren draw in their Pool A opener on Tuesday but will renew their rivalry in the final after dominant semifinal victories at Chebisaas Boys High School grounds.
KU booked their place with a narrow 1-0 win over Egerton University, courtesy of a late strike from Joshua Wamanya, while UoE swept past the University of Nairobi 3-0 to secure their final slot.
In one of the toughest semifinals, KU struggled to break down Egerton’s defence until the 67th minute when Wamanya fired home with his right foot to seal the victory.
KU captain Austin Tandasi said the team is focused on extending their dominance by winning a fifth consecutive title.
“Our target has always been to reach the final and retain the title for the fifth time in a row. I joined this school when we were champions and I want to leave as champions under my leadership. We are used to winning and this should not be an exception,” said Tandasi.
However, UoE coach Marvin Otieno believes home advantage could help his side end KU’s reign.
“As a coach, I use different strategies against different teams. I identify loopholes and capitalise on them to create winning chances. We allow opponents to play their tiki-taka, but we wait for our moments and take them when they come,” said Otieno.
Haron Musambai gave UoE the lead in the 32nd minute before Elton Walumbe doubled the advantage shortly after the break in the 46th minute. Calvin Ekise sealed the 3-0 victory late in the match.
In men’s volleyball, defending champions Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) will face the University of Nairobi (UoN) in the final after both teams emerged victorious in the semifinals.
MMUST edged out JKUAT 3-2 (25-16, 28-26, 19-25, 24-26, 15-11) in a thrilling encounter, while UoN dispatched Moi University in straight sets, winning 25-17, 29-27, 25-20.
In hockey. Kenyatta University (KU) women’s team Titans and United States International University (USIU) men’s team were crowned champions as the hockey competition concluded ahead of the closing ceremony on Friday at the UoE grounds.
Played in a round-robin format, the KU Titans won four matches and drew one to finish top of the standings, earning 13 points. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) finished second, with USIU placing third.
Titans coach Richard Odongo said the victory was long overdue after several near misses.
“This victory feels special after finishing second for many years. It has come at the right time as we prepare for the KUSF playoffs scheduled for March next year,” said Odongo.
In the men’s category, USIU claimed the title with 12 points, ahead of KU on nine, while hosts UoE completed the podium with six points.
