2017 Copa National schools football championship:
Final: St Mary’s Kitende 1 (3) – 1 (4) Jinja S.S
Third place play off: Kibuli S.S 1-0 Nakaseke International
Jinja Secondary School has lifted their first ever Copa national schools football title on Saturday.
This followed a hard fought, tense and well attended finale won 4-3 in post match penalties over 8 time winners, St Mary’s Kitende at the Masaka Recreational stadium.
Normal time of the exciting duel that climaxed the two week’s tournament had ended one goal apiece.
Joel Madondo scored his 15th goal of the campaign 10 minutes from full time to light up the hundreds of fans on a sunny evening.
St Mary’s Kitende, who had earlier in the first half missed a penalty through Pius Mzee Wangi quickly recomposed themselves and made quick amends through robust striker Kennedy Kasozi two minutes from full time.
In the shoot out, Jinja S.S scored all their four kicks from the penalty mark through defender Fesali Najib, Joel Madondo, captain Joram Kirya and the enterprising midfielder Vincent Zziwa.
St Mary’s Kitende’s three kicks were converted by Kasozi, Brian Kalumba and the team captain Ashraf Bamutaraki.
Defender Bashir Asiku blasted his across Lazalus Obelejo’s goal posts before second half substitute Abdul Karim Watambala had his final kick kiss the cross bar to spark wild celebrations from the Jinja players, officials and fans alike.
Jinja S..S thus won their first ever national schools’ trophy, a feat that head coach Eric Kabanda attributed to team work and discipline.
“We were a determined lot and prepared well” Kabanda said.
Meanwhile, Kibuli edged Nakaseke International 1-0 to finish third at the 2017 Copa National schools football championship.
Julius Poloto struck in the opening 10 minutes to inspire Kibuli S.S to the victory during a Saturday morning duel played at Masaka Recreational stadium.
Champions Jinja S.S will join St Mary’s Kitende and Kibuli to represent Uganda at the 2017 East African secondary school games that will be hosted by St Joseph College, Layibi in Gulu district.
Individual awards:
MVP – Ivan Wani (JINJA S.S)
Top scorer: Abdallah Ssenyonga (St Julian) – 16 goals
Semi-finals results:
Nakaseke International 1 (1) – 1 (3) Jinja S.S
St Mary’s Kitende 2-1 Kibuli S.S
Quarter finals:
Kibuli S.S 1 (3) – 1 (1) Masaka S.S
Jinja S.S 5-1 Citizens High
St Mary’s Kitende 0 (4) – 0 (3) Dynamic
Nakaseke International 2-0 Jinja Progressive Academy
Round of 16 games:
Kibuli SS 0 (3) – 0 (1) Buhobe SS
Buddo SS 1 (2) – 1 (3) Masaka SS
St Mary’s Kitende 2-0 St Joseph College Layibi
Dynamic S.S 3-0 Bishop Ngeri S.S
St.Julian 0-1 Nakaseke International
Jinja Progressive Academy 2-0 Namagabi S.S
Jinja ss 2-0 Ryakasinga Che
Blessed Sacrament Kimanya 0 (5) – 0 (6) Citizen High School
