James Jarieko scored the winning penalty to lead Jinja Progressive Academy to its first-ever USSSA Elite Games title as Sowedi Lwenda missed for Jinja Secondary School.
USSSA Elite Games 2024 Football Boys
Full Time
Jinja Secondary School 0(4)-0(5) Jinja
Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) Saturday emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against Jinja SS, securing a 5-4 win after a goalless draw in regular time. The intense battle at Kakindu Stadium unfolded under the spotlight of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Elite Games 2024.
As the game grew both teams searched for the opener but credit to defenders and goalkeepers for their outstanding performance to keep the game level. James Jarieko had sent the later champions in early jubilations with a tap but the referee’s flag had already gone up and it was ruled out for offside.
Near the end of the first half, Jinja Secondary School had a chance to go to half-time in the lead with a great opportunity of a free kick outside the 18-yard box but Jordan’s efforts went into the hands of the goalkeeper.
In the second half, Jinja Secondary School goalkeeper Swaleh had gifted JIPRA with a lead by miscalculating the ball in his box, Swabir tried to go for a direct shot but the defender was in position to clear.
James Jarieko had the best chance of of second half after a well-delivered cross from Richard Okello but his header near the goalposts went over the bar which left the crowd at Kakindu in embarrassment.
Despite being a holiday, people thought fans would not turn up because students were in break but that was a different story to the fans that the game pulled.
The highly intensified game was forced into penalty shootouts after a goalless draw in normal time.
Isabirye Regan, Nicholas Mukibi, Kirunda Emmanuel, Sowedi Lwenda who missed and Barasa Mangoli were among the players showcasing their penalty prowess for Jinja SS.
JIPRA through successful penalties from Isabirye, Mukibi, Emmanuel, Lwenda, and captain James Jarieko sent the team into jubilations securing their 5-4 victory.
After the game, JIPRA was awarded its historical maiden Elite Games Boys Football Gold medals and trophy dethroning Standard High School Zzana who bowed out from the group stages this time.
Rivals Jinja Secondary School were silver medalists while Westville High were bronze medalists after wiping Kawempe Muslim 2-0 in the third-place playoff
