Uganda Martyrs High School, Lubaga, advanced to the quarterfinals of the ongoing USSSA Football Boys Games after a tense 4-2 victory on penalties over Green Light Islamic SS, following a goalless draw in regular time on Sunday at St Aloysius Grounds in Ngora.
In a game defined by fine margins, Martyrs carved out a few solid chances. Niyonzima Davis and left back Emmanuel Aneka were instrumental in the build-up but the likes of Andrew Lukyamuzi were swiftly closed down, while Simon Alenga failed to capitalize on a clear opportunity with his usually reliable left foot.
Green Light Islamic, on the other hand, were dynamic down the flanks but lacked the cutting edge in the final third to pose a real threat to the Martyrs’ defense.
The second half saw both sides struggle to break each other down with much of the play contained in midfield. Both goalkeepers were tested only by loose through balls that lacked venom.
With five minutes left on the clock, Uganda Martyrs were reduced to ten men after Owen Mukamaniwamanyirwe received his second yellow card. The situation worsened when head coach Edward Kasozi Ssozi was sent off moments later for persistent dissent, leaving his side under pressure going into the shootout.
However, Martyrs held their nerve in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Jeremiah Gwanagamba emerging the hero by pulling off two crucial saves to send his side into the next round.
Elsewhere in the Round of 32, Bukedea Comprehensive School (BCS) benefited from a late own goal by Shari Ramathan, who inadvertently diverted the ball past his own keeper while trying to dispossess Choli John.
The goal sealed BCS’s place in the quarterfinals at Ngora High Grounds 1, St. Mary’s Kitende showed their class with a commanding 3-0 win over Blessed Sacrament Kimanya at Ngora High Grounds 2.
Buddo SS overpowered Wisdom High School 3-1 in an emphatic display, Jinja Progressive Academy defeated St. Julian 3-1 while Jinja Comprehensive bowed out with a narrow 1-0 loss to Mentor SS from Northern Uganda.
Kyadondo SS, under the force of midfielder who also features for KCCA FC, Brain Jjara, edged Kicwamba 1-0. For Kibuli SS, they triumphed over Masaka SS 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout in an all-UMEA clash.
Final Quarterfinal list
- Kyadondo SS
- Jinja Progressive
- St Mary’s School – Kitende
- Bukedea Comprehensive School
- Uganda Martyrs H/S
- Kibuli SS
- Buddo SS
- Mentor SS
The Quarterfinal match-ups will include;
- St Mary’s School – Kitende Vs Kibuli SS
- Jinja Progressive Vs Mentor SS
- Uganda Martyrs Vs Buddo SS
- Bukedea Comprehensive School Vs Kyadondo SS
