Kakungulu Memorial School continued to impress at the Kampala Zone U17 Boys Football Championship with yet another comeback victory, defeating Busabala Islamic Secondary School to set up a final showdown against Lubiri SS.
Fresh from their impressive 3-1 victory over Lubiri SS in the group stages, Kakungulu Memorial once again showed resilience in the second semifinal played on Friday, June 26, at Kibuli SS.
Busabala Islamic SS took the lead in the 26th minute through Ivan Bunjo and went into the halftime break leading 1-0.
However, Kakungulu Memorial responded strongly in the second half. Peter Kambugu restored parity in the 30th minute before Badru Wahid struck the decisive goal in the 56th minute, just four minutes from the final whistle.
Earlier in the match, Wahid had twice found the back of the net, but both efforts were ruled out for offside. His first goal, which would have given Kakungulu Memorial the lead, was flagged by first assistant referee Zainab Namusoke in the opening half. In the second half, another effort that would have levelled matters earlier was disallowed by second assistant referee Lydia Namono.
In the first semifinal, Lubiri SS defeated Kawempe Muslim SS 3-1 to become the first team to book a place in the final.
Flashy forward Bony Namiti scored twice in the space of two minutes, netting in the 17th and 18th minutes to give Lubiri SS a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime. Herbert Mugumya added the third goal nine minutes into the second half.
With Lubiri SS leading 3-0, Kawempe Muslim SS managed a consolation goal through Nicholas Odokonyero, who finished off a move initiated by Raihan Kayiira after he split open the Lubiri defence.
Having secured their place in the final, the Lubiri SS players remained in the stands to watch the second semifinal and later discovered that Kakungulu Memorial would be their opponents.
Busabala Islamic SS and Kawempe Muslim SS will now battle for the third and final Kampala Zone slot at the USSSA Ball Games II Nationals in Gulu. The two sides drew 1-1 during the group stages.
Third-place playoff:
Kawempe Muslim SS vs Busabala Islamic SS
Final:
Kakungulu Memorial School vs Lubiri SS
Both matches will be played later on Friday evening.
