What was poised to be a classic showdown between two school football giants descended into chaos on Monday afternoon, as hooliganism forced the abandonment of the second semifinal in the 2025 USSSA Boys Football Championship.
The much-anticipated clash between Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) and record titleholders St Mary’s School – Kitende (SMASK) came to an abrupt halt in the 39th minute amid crowd trouble and pitch invasion, following a contentious offside call that sparked fury among JIPRA supporters.
St Mary’s Kitende had taken an early lead just three minutes into the game, thanks to a composed penalty by Denis Kisiriko after JIPRA goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye brought down the elusive Arafat Nkoola. While the early goal set the tone for an intense battle, tensions began simmering soon after.
The flashpoint came in the 36th minute when Richard Okello appeared to have leveled the score for JIPRA. But as the fans erupted in celebration, their joy was short-lived as the assistant referee flagged for offside, ruling out the goal. JIPRA fans, players and technical staff were incensed.
Chaos unfolded rapidly, both linesmen and the center referee had to flee the pitch for safety as furious fans invaded the field. In the midst of the uproar, JIPRA’s coaching staff, including head coach Ssebagala, were seen sprinting towards the linesman in protest.
Earlier, Ssebagala had already exchanged heated words with the fourth official, shouting,
“You are not fair! I want you to award the same cards when we foul, equally to them when they foul.”
The game had already been marred by several controversial incidents, including a nasty collision that saw SMASK’s Isaac Ntambi stretchered off and rushed to hospital after suffering a head injury.
Tempers flared throughout the first half, with decisions from match officials consistently questioned by the JIPRA bench and supporters.
With the situation spiraling out of control, match officials made the decision to abandon the game with St Mary’s Kitende leading 1-0. USSSA authorities have yet to confirm whether the match will be replayed or decided through disciplinary procedures.
Meanwhile, in the earlier semifinal, Buddo Secondary School secured a place in the finals after a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Bukedea Comprehensive School. The match had ended 0-0 in regular time, with both sides showing defensive discipline but failing to convert chances.
Buddo, coached by former Uganda Cranes international Richard Malinga, kept their composure in the shootout to advance. The Wakiso-based school now awaits the resolution of the Kitende-JIPRA semifinal debacle to know who they will face in the final.
As investigations begin and tempers cool, the ugly scenes in Ngora have left a stain on what should have been a celebration of youth football.
The USSSA organizing committee is expected to issue a statement on the matter in the coming hours.
