Kampala Zone kicked off the USSSA Ball Games II qualifiers on Wednesday, June 25, with Lubiri SS goalkeeper Isaac Nduhire enduring a difficult evening as Kakungulu Memorial came from behind to register a 3-1 victory at Kakungulu Memorial School in the U17 boys’ football competition.
Nduhire had enjoyed a fine first half, helping Lubiri SS take the lead through Nasib Ssenono. However, with about 15 minutes left on the clock, the game turned dramatically against the young goalkeeper.
For Kakungulu Memorial’s first goal, Nduhire rushed off his line during a build-up play but was caught out of position, allowing Kenny Tumuhimbise to score into an empty net for the equaliser.
A few minutes later, he conceded again when Idi Ceaser struck a free-kick from several metres inside his own half. Nduhire got a touch on the ball, but it slightly deflected off him and into the net to give Kakungulu Memorial a 2-1 lead.
As Lubiri SS searched for an equaliser, another costly error from Nduhire sealed their fate. The goalkeeper dived too early, allowing Charles Dickens’ low effort to roll into the bottom corner for Kakungulu Memorial’s third goal.
The match ended 3-1 in favour of Kakungulu Memorial, adding to their impressive 5-0 victory over Buziga Islamic earlier in the day to finish the group stage with maximum points.
In their opening game, the Yasir Magala-coached side saw Wahid Badru score a hat-trick, while Kenny Tumuhimbise and Peter Kambugu also got on the scoresheet.
Earlier, Lubiri SS had edged Buziga Islamic 1-0. Buziga goalkeeper Twaha Kyambadde blocked Bonny Namiti’s effort, but the rebound ricocheted off Isac Katende and into his own net.
At Kibuli SS, Kawempe Muslim SS were held to a 1-1 draw by Busabala Islamic SS. Nicholas Odokonyero scored for Kawempe Muslim, while Martin Ssenkusu found the net for Busabala Islamic.
Mengo SS endured a disappointing day, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Busabala Islamic before falling 4-1 to Kawempe Muslim SS in their second match.
Following the group stage, the district championship will continue with the semifinals on Friday, June 26, at Kibuli SS. The finalists will automatically qualify for the national championships in Gulu, while the losing semifinalists will contest the third-place playoff for the final qualification slot.
Results
- Busabala Islamic 1-1 Kawempe Muslim SS
- Mengo SS 1-2 Busabala Islamic
- Kakungulu Memorial 3-1 Lubiri SS
- Buziga Islamic 0-5 Kakungulu Memorial
- Lubiri SS 1-0 Buziga Islamic
- Kawempe Muslim SS 4-1 Mengo SS
Group A Standings
- Kawempe Muslim SS – 4 points
- Busabala Islamic – 4 points
- Mengo SS – 0 points
Group B Standings
- Kakungulu Memorial – 6 points
- Lubiri SS – 3 points
- Buziga Islamic – 0 points
Semifinal Fixtures (Friday, June 26 – Kibuli SS)
- 8:00 am: Lubiri SS vs Kawempe Muslim SS
- 9:00 am: Kakungulu Memorial vs Busabala Islamic SS
Three teams will qualify for the U17 national championships in Gulu.
Other Fixtures
Girls’ Football U15
- Martyrs vs Kawempe
Boys’ Football U15
- Kakungulu Memorial vs Kibuli SS
Third-place Playoff
- To be confirmed
Final
- To be confirmed
