Child Restoration Outreach (CRO) Academy emerged winners in both boys’ and girls’ categories, taking home Shs.2million and trophies at the Mbale regional Airtel Rising Star (ARS) tournament.
The Academy edged Bukoyo SS 1-0 courtesy of Isaac Wambululu early second half strike.
Playmaker Kelvin Kato who looked impressive in the decider
was on target for the champions as they eliminated Mbale Tigers earlier in the semis. In the girls’ final, Mbale Tigers lost out 3-0 in the spot kicks to CRO after a goalless stalemate.
Interestingly, goalkeepers Abubakar Kasimba (Bukoyo SS) and Juliet (CRO Academy) were named the most valuable players of the tournament.
The tourney would have been more colourful if Tororo Kids had honoured the event.
They bowed out at the last hour with no clear reason were replaced by Namwiwa SS only in the boys’ group.
The tourney heads to Kampala and Masaka this weekend.
Airtel Rising Stars Results
Boys
Final
CRO Academy 1-0 Bukoyo SS
Semifinals
CRO Academy 1-0 Mbale Tigers
Jinja SS 0 (4)-0 (5) Bukoyo SS
Quarterfinals
Bukoyo SS 0 (4)-0 (3) Buyaga
Mbale Tigers 1-0 CRO Junior
Mbale SS 0-2 Jinja SS
CRO Academy 3-1 Bunyole
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Abubakar Kasimba (Bukoyo)
Top Scorers
Daniel Okiror (CRO Academy) 2 goals
Kelvin Kato (CRO Academy) 2 goals
Gerald Hamya (Mbale Tigers) 2 goals
Girls
Final
CRO Academy 0 (3)-0 (0) Mbale Tigers
Semifinals
Mbale Tigers 1-0 Namayingo TC
CRO Academy 1 (4)-1 (2) Highway
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Juliet Adere (CRO Academy)
Top Scorer
Fazila Ikwaput (Highway) 4 goals