St. Henry’s College Kitovu needed spot kicks to reach the final of the National Schools Championship finals at the expense of Royal Giant High School.
Royal Giant netted the opener through captain Issa Bugembe to give the stubborn side a deserving lead in the game played at Nyakasura.
Ankunda Annest almost doubled the lead after brilliantly getting past two defenders but his shot was denied by Kitovu’s custodian.
Into the second half, Godfrey Sssekibengo leveled with a net buster courtesy of his left foot from outside the box.
The stunner that lit up the crowd had Royal Giant’s goalkeeper Shamran Kamya no chance to save it.
With two minutes to the end of the game, Royal Giant nearly restored their lead but Kitovu’s goalkeeper smartly saved his side.
In the added minutes, Kitovu thought that they had killed the game but Denis Dramuke’s goal was flagged offside.
The center referee blew the final whistle as the game ended in a 1-all draw and its fate was to be decided by spot kicks.
Royal Giant’s goalkeeper Shamran Kamya saved Khalid Abdul’s penalty and his side had to score their last spot to go to the finals.
Captain Issa Bugembe stepped in to take the decisive penalty but his effort went outside a few inches from the post.
Eventually, Kitovu’s Collins Ochatre scored the important penalty to win 6-5 to reach their first-ever final.
After the game, Royal Giant coach Frank Mulindwa expressed his disappointment in not taking their chances.
“We had many clear chances to kill off the game. But, we take the lessons and we will bounce back stronger,” Frank Mulindwa stated.
The Masaka-based school, Kitovu will face the winner between Amus College and St. Mary’s Kitende in the finals.
By: Geoffrey Mugabi
Courtesy Photos
