Despite losing their opening match against hosts Ghana, Uganda’s representatives, St Mary’s Kitende bounced back with two resounding wins to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
As the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship kicked off on Wednesday morning, East Africa and Uganda’s representatives, St Mary’s Kitende fell to hosts Ghana 2-0 in an official opening game of the championship.
This put their knockout chances to a big test since they had to win their remaining two group games.
The boys responded quickly with two wins against South Africa and Algeria to qualify for the semi finals.
Kajumba Nabiru, Muhoozi Henry, Kulata Livingstone and Kabenge Pius scored the team’s goals in the first game against Algeria to keep the knock out hopes alive.
Coming into the last game against South Africa, Uganda needed a point to advance to the next level.
Henry Muhoozi put Kitende in front in the ninth minute, followed by Nabir Kajjumba’s goal in the 20th minute to extend the lead.
Ashraf Kyakuwa added a third before Yasin Nsubuga sealed the result with Kitende’s fourth goal.
South Africa managed a consolation goal, but it wasn’t enough to earn them any points from the match.
Kitende finished second in group A with 6 points and 5 goals, while hosts Ghana topped the group with 9 points and still unbeaten.
This means that Kitende has qualified for the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship semi finals for the first time in history after falling short in the group stages last year with one point.
In the semi-finals, the team will face Senegal at 5:00 PM(EAT) at the University Of Ghana Stadium a game that will be broadcast live on CAF TV YouTube Channel.
This will be the second time the team will be meeting Senegal after last year’s group game in Tanzania, which ended goalless.
A win today will mean big for the school since it will become the first Ugandan team to qualify for finals.
Hassan Zungu, the team Head Coach, applauded the boys’ character and quick response to turn things around.
I thank the boys for the attitude and character exhibited today, Winning today’s games was not easy but the boys knew its what we wanted, and they delivered. We shift focus to the semi-finals.
Hassan Zungu, Head Coach.
I dedicate all these achievements to our own Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa for his love and developments displayed in UgandBbia’s sports