Bukembe was edged out from the ongoing Airtel Rising Stars Secondary Schools games in Kisumu at the semi finals by last year’s finalist Laiser Hill by a 3-2 win easing through to the finals.
Richard Odanda opened the scores in the 21st minute before Joseph Owino added the second in the 34th. Victor Omondi pulled one for Nzoia champions before the break.
However, Owino Kevin put the match beyond doubt in the 48th with Omondi completing his brace at death.
In another semis match Barding High from Lake region climbed to one match away from winning their maiden national football title after brushing aside champions Passenga 2-0 to storm in the final of Airtel Rising Stars Secondary Schools games in Kisumu.
Passenga kicked off the match on wrong foot and were already behind in the 5th minute when Benjamin Ojiambo scored the opener.
Buoyed by home support, George Owoko coached side continued to impress with pint sized winger Zico Kombo proving a nuissance to defence pair of Shadrack Ojijo and Silas Maim.
His superb cordination with Clement Okiring continued to dazzle fans throughout the first half with Passenga goalkeeper Francis Odemba rewarding the home boys a free kick in the 45th minute when he handled the ball outside the box and altogether booked.
Ojiambo converted the resultant free kick for the second goal of the match that completed his brace before the breather.
Passenga’s Francis Maina and Barding’s Dennis ‘Junior’ Oduor were sent off for second bookable offense as champions surrendered their title in a match that Gor Mahia coach Ferreira Marcelo was in attendance.
Owoko said; “We have been preparing for this since last year, I know the boys will give their best. We still have depth in the squad though am disappointed Oduor will not feature after that red card.”
In girls’ football, defending champions Wiyeta from Nzoia, eased through after comfortably dispatching hosts Nyakach 2-0.
Goals from Judith Musimbi and Stella Anyango in either half did the trick for champions in a well attended encounter at Moi stadium.
They clash with St. John’s Kaloleni who edged out stubborn Nginda 6-5 in post match penalties after the encounter ended in a one all draw with Randu Amina’s strike in the 45th minute cancelling out Christine Kitaru goal in the 15th minute.