A new champion has been crowned at the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) U20 Girls’ Football Championship after Rines Secondary School eased past BoniConsilii in 3-0 final victory.
The thrilling final was held at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium on Friday, 3rd July.
Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi converted from the spot after a foul on Justine Ayerango to give Rines a late first half goal.
In the 50th minute, Zuena Nandegho set up Trina Nakawuki for the second from a well laid low cross.
Justine Ayerango sealed the victory with a simple press after a goalkeeping lapse in six minutes after.
The win sealed a historic year, winning the district, zonal and national titles for the first time. Rines beat St Noa at the Zonal Qualifiers sending a strong message to the national championship which they have fulfilled today.
Neither finalist had previously lifted the national title marking Rines’ first-ever title.
To reach this year’s final, Rines SS advanced in the most clinical fashion, edging Amus College School after a goalless stalemate in regulation time.
In a contest defined by intensity and physical duels, clear-cut chances were scarce, leaving the tie to be settled from the spot.
Amus faltered under pressure, missing all three of their penalty attempts, while Rines converted with composure to seal passage to their second final in three years.
Their previous appearance ended in heartbreak in 2024, when they finished runners-up to Kawempe Muslim SS in Ndejje.
On the other hand, the Western Region champions produced a spirited comeback to eliminate defending champions St NoaGirls School, prevailing 3-2 in a penalty shootout after an enthralling 2-2 draw.
St Noa appeared on course for another final when Martha Babirye broke the deadlock with a superbly curled free kick from distance in the first half.
But the game shifted dramatically after the interval.
Tactical changes proved decisive for Boni, as the introduction of Kampala Queens forward Peace Muduwa and MungutimuSheila injected urgency and attacking thrust.
Muduwa restored parity in the 62nd minute with a composed finish before Ariho Rinah completed the turnaround moments later, unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner.
With their title defence hanging by a thread, St Noa responded late through Katusiime Evelyn, who converted from close range after an incisive run and assist by Patricia Nayiga, forcing penalties.
Boni Consilii held their nerve in the shootout to avenge last year’s heavy defeat to St Noa and secure a maiden appearance in the national final.
Despite their semi-final exits, both St Noa Girls School and Amus College School will take consolation in qualification for the FEASSA Games.
Justine Ayerango and Bridget Nansamba won the Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
They join finalists Rines SS and Boni Consilii as Uganda’s representatives at the regional championship slated for August in Tanzania.
