FILE: Dr. Sarah Ruto is introduced to RMS FC players by captain Emmanuel Ochieng during the Dr. Sarah Ruto Charity Cup tournament on September 26, 2026. Photo by Festus Lang'o/Citizen Digital.

James Okubasu gave the hosts an early lead in the fifth minute before Festus Lang’o equalised for RMS with a thunderous 45-yard strike. Lang’o needed just his second touch after the restart to level the score, finishing a move set up by forward Walter Nyambaga.

RMS grew into the game, taking control of the midfield through the impressive Jodesi, popularly known as “Gudah Man”. Their dominance created several chances, with Lang’o coming close on subsequent long-range efforts.

Nyambaga also had opportunities to put the visitors ahead. He first shot straight at the goalkeeper after being played through by Basil Ogembo, then squandered a one-on-one chance by firing wide following a pass from Kelvin Otengo.

Despite RMS’ attacking pressure, Precious Gems regained the lead just before half-time through Herbert Simiyu. The hosts threatened to extend their advantage, but RMS goalkeeper Godffrey “Raya” Ashiali made crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.

RMS returned for the second half with renewed determination. Stand-in coach Luqman Mahmoud introduced Kelvin Otenga and Joseph Onyeit to inject fresh energy into the attack, and the changes soon paid off.

Emmanuel Ochieng restored parity at 2-2, tapping home from a long throw-in by right-back Brian Ouma. Mahmoud then pushed Ochieng further forward as RMS searched for a winner.

The decisive goal came through Nyambaga, who completed the comeback after a move initiated by “Gudah Man” down the left flank. Left-back Newton Andika delivered a cross into the penalty area, and Nyambaga finished into an unguarded net after the Precious Gems goalkeeper failed to deal with the delivery.

The late winner silenced a home crowd of more than 180 teachers, who had passionately supported their team throughout the encounter.

After the match, Mahmoud praised Precious Gems for pushing his side to the limit, describing the encounter as RMS’ best performance so far.

“The heat was on immediately after the game started, but we responded quickly. They gave us a real challenge, and this is the best match we have played so far. They are teachers, and they demonstrated the highest level of discipline, living up to what they teach,” he said.

Mahmoud added that the teams planned to meet again before the end of the year.

“We are going to play another match against them before the year ends and see what kind of challenge they will give us.”

RMS captain Ochieng said the match was about more than football, highlighting the role of sport in fostering friendship and cooperation between the two institutions.

“We came here to create friendship because, as we all know, football unites, and that is exactly what happened. This school has more than 180 teachers, and we have now had the opportunity to know one another. That is the essence of cooperation between a media house and institutions such as Precious Gems School,” he said.

Precious Gems School General Manager Kelvin Ogubo said the relationship between the two institutions had grown beyond their professional dealings.

“As an educational institution, we work with media stations, with RMS being one of our priorities. Through this relationship, we have built a friendship that has now extended to the football pitch. Even if members of the two institutions meet in the next world, they will be able to say they knew one another,” he said.

Precious Gems forward Francis Ngaruiya, a former RMS intern, thanked the institutions’ leadership for creating opportunities for staff to interact outside their usual working routines.

“Lack of play makes Jack a dull boy. We thank Madam Christine and Mr Lawrence for allowing us to host this match. From Monday to Friday, we are always busy teaching, while others have tight schedules in the communication department. Activities like these help us refresh our minds so that when we return to our normal duties, we can do so with renewed energy,” he said.

The victory highlighted RMS FC’s resilience and attacking threat as they continued their impressive run of form, while the encounter reinforced the growing friendship between the two institutions.