In a dramatic twist of fate at the 2025 USSSA Girls Football Championship, defending champions Kawempe Muslim were dethroned in a pulsating semifinal clash against a resilient Amus College side that triumphed 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
The victory not only knocked out the title holders but also set up a highly anticipated final between Amus and 2022 champions St Noa Girls, a repeat of the 2023 showdown.
The semifinal at Bukedea had all the ingredients of a classic. Amus College, known for their relentless drive and fearless style, took an early lead just eight minutes into the match courtesy of a sensational free-kick by Eunice Nabwoba.
But Kawempe responded with fire. Star striker Agnes Nabukenya restored parity in the 37th minute and later turned provider for Cynthia Kirenga, who gave the reigning champions a 2-1 edge.
Amus, however, refused to back down. Ruth Nyakato’s 60th-minute equalizer reignited their hopes in a fiercely contested battle. Kawempe nearly regained the lead just six minutes later but Nabukenya’s effort rattled the crossbar, summing up the fine margins of the encounter.
As the final whistle blew with the scoreboard still reading 2-2, the contest moved to a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. Amus stumbled initially, missing their first three penalties, while Kawempe converted two.
But the tide turned dramatically. Amus regrouped to score the next six spot-kicks, including four in sudden death while Kawempe faltered, missing a crucial attempt that sealed their exit.
It was a deja vu moment for the two sides, Amus had eliminated Kawempe in last year’s quarterfinals with a 10-9 penalty victory before going on to win the championship.
Awaiting Amus in the final is St Noa Girls, who booked their place in emphatic fashion after thrashing Boni Consilii 4-1 in the day’s earlier fixture. Sylvia Kabene, a recent addition to the team, stole the spotlight with a well-taken brace, taking her tournament tally to six.
Patricia Nayiga and Happiness Dominic also found the net while Ashanti Imurinde Uwayo grabbed a consolation for Boni.
The stage is now set for a mouthwatering finale in Bukedea on Tuesday, a clash between two powerhouses and past champions with a growing rivalry.
St Noa, who fell short against Amus in the 2023 final will be eyeing revenge while Amus aim to defend their crown and cement their dominance.
Despite the heartbreak, Kawempe, along with Amus, St Noa, and Boni Consilii, will represent Uganda at the 2025 FEASSSA Games.
