By Gad William Bizimana
Greenlight Islamic, Stahiza, Buddo and Muntuyera Make U17 Boys Last Four as Kawempe Muslim Leads Girls’ Semi-final Charge
The USSSA Ball Games II National Championship U17 football competition has entered the business end after a thrilling quarter-final stage that produced big wins, surprise exits and dramatic penalty shootouts.
With the semi-finalists now confirmed, teams are just one step away from the national finals as the battle for supremacy continues.
Greenlight Islamic, Stahiza Shine in Boys’ Quarter-finals
Greenlight Islamic Secondary School announced their title intentions with a commanding performance, defeating Bukomansimbi Secondary School 4-0 to secure a place in the boys’ semi-finals.
The biggest upset of the round came from Stahiza, who knocked out former champions St. Henry’s College Kitovu with a 2-1 victory. Stahiza’s disciplined display ended Kitovu’s hopes of another championship run and sent them into the final four.
The most dramatic match of the boys’ quarter-finals was between Seroma Christian High School and Muntuyera SS. After a tense 1-1 draw in normal time, the two sides headed into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Muntuyera showed great composure to win 9-8 and book their place in the semi-finals.
Buddo SS completed the boys’ semi-final lineup after overcoming Paorin Eher SS 2-0 in a confident display.
Boys’ Semi-finalists
- Greenlight Islamic Secondary School
- Stahiza
- Muntuyera SS
- Buddo SS
Kawempe Muslim Leads Girls’ Final Four
In the girls’ competition, Kawempe Muslim Secondary School continued their strong campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Highwayss to advance to the semi-finals.
Masaka Secondary School had to dig deep against Kibingo Girls School after the match ended 1-1. Masaka held their nerves in the shootout, winning 5-3 to keep their championship hopes alive.
Bugisu High School also survived a tight contest against St. Mary’s Assumpta. After a 1-1 stalemate, Bugisu won the penalty shootout 4-3 to secure their place in the last four.
The final girls’ semi-final spot went to Bwizi Seed, who defeated Panyadoli Self Help Secondary School 2-0.
Girls’ Semi-finalists
- Kawempe Muslim Secondary School
- Masaka Secondary School
- Bugisu High School
- Bwizi Seed
The stage is now set for the semi-finals, where the remaining teams will battle for a place in the championship finals. With the trophy within reach, the next matches promise more intensity, drama and quality football as the schools chase national glory at the USSSA Ball Games II Championship.
