Uganda’s St. Mary’s Kitende fell short in the final, but still returned home with pride and a major reward after finishing runners-up at the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026.
The Ugandan side earned $200,000 (about Ugx 736 million) despite losing 5-4 to Senegal in a penalty shootout on Friday at Ngoni Stadium.
The final, watched by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, ended goalless in normal time, with both teams struggling to convert their chances.
Uganda came closest after the break. Shakur Ngobi fired over from close range after good work by Owen Mukisa, while goalkeeper Imran Ssebbale denied Senegal with a key save before later being replaced by Hamidu Kasumba ahead of the shootout.
In the end, Senegal held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties after match ending goalless and claim the $300,000 top prize.
Still, Kitende’s run to the final was impressive. They drew 1-1 with hosts Zimbabwe, thrashed DR Congo 6-0, beat Morocco 3-0, and edged Benin 4-3 on penalties in the semi-final.
Elsewhere, Senegal won the boys’ title while Ghana retained the girls’ crown after beating Burkina Faso on penalties.
