In the round of 32 knockout match played on Friday, August 1, at the Mengo Senior School grounds in Bukesa, Mengo Senior School Goalkeeper Cyrus Ssemakula, made a name for himself by scoring and saving three penalties that helped his school eliminate Namilyango College from the FUFA TV Cup 2025.
The teams played the first leg match which ended in goalless and the return leg remained the same score resulting in a penalty shootout. After both teams took their shots, Mengo Senior School won 3-1.
Ssemakula confidently converted Mengo SS’s first penalty, then went on to save Emmanuel Labu’s penalty, which was struck low to his left.
However, Mengo SS also had a miss when player Brian Lukajjo’s penalty hit the cross bar and go wide, Ssemakula then came through again by saving Mathias Kirunji’s penalty from Namilyango College.
Conrad Kamara scored Mengo’s third penalty, but Paul Ogwella of Namilyango College responded with a successful penalty though Ssemakula had a touch on it but it went straight in.
Pius Ssegujja scored Mengo’s fourth penalty, which proved to be the winning goal after Ssemakula saved David Agaba’s shot for the match to end 3-1 on penalties causing Mengo SS players and supporters celebrating their hard-earned victory, advancing to the round of 16.
In normal time, Mengo SS had several chances, but Namilyango College also created some opportunities of their own but finished the game on back sit as they were down to ten men following the sending off of Mathias Erima.
After the win, Mengo SS coach Shabaz Kintu spoke about the game and their success.
“I thank God for the victory He granted us, especially as we created many chances that we couldn’t convert. Our Goalkeeper and Penalty takers showed great quality for the team. Now we will prepare for the next match and focus on converting our chances instead of relying on penalties. To our fans and supporters, I promise we will keep striving.”
Goalkeeper Ssemakula added; “We worked as a team to secure this victory. When it came time to take the penalties, I was confident I would save and God helped me. We will prepare well for the next game and do everything possible to win the trophy.”
Namilyango College coach Ronald Ssempijja, nicknamed “Kaka,” thanked FUFA, the officials, and the players.
“We played well but luck wasn’t on our side today. We are grateful for the chance to compete in the FUFA TV Cup. Our team has improved this season, and I thank my staff for their hard work. We aim to come back stronger next year and go further than this round.”
Namilyango College captain Gareth Wanzu said; “I am proud of the effort we put in despite the loss. Our coaches, players, and school management all gave in their best. We hope next year to have the opportunity to do even better.”
The round of 32 matches will continue tomorrow, Saturday, August 2, with the replays of fixtures including the match between Kibuli SS and Kololo SSS at Kibuli SS.
Schedule for Saturday, August 2, 2025
Western Chapter
2 M58 Nganwa High School vs St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa – 2:00 PM (aggregate 0-3)
Buganda Masaka
3 M59 Gombe SSS vs Kako SSS – 11:00 AM (aggregate 1-1)
Buganda Chapter
4 M60 St. Mary’s College Kisubi vs St. Balikudembe Mitala Maria – 11:00 AM (aggregate 1-1)
Kampala Chapter
5 M61 Kibuli SS vs Kololo SSS – 11:00 AM (aggregate 1-0)
Luo Chapter
6 M62 Lango College vs Aduku College – 11:00 AM (aggregate 1-1)
Bukedi Chapter
7 M63 Ngora High School vs St. Peters College Tororo – 11:00 AM (aggregate 1-0)
