Harare, Zimbabwe: Uganda’s representatives, St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende, fell short of continental glory after losing 5-4 on penalties to Senegal in the final match of the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026.
The tightly contested final ended 0-0 in normal time, with both sides failing to break the deadlock despite moments of attacking promise. Senegal controlled early possession, but Uganda remained disciplined at the back, frustrating their opponents throughout the match.
Kitende came closest through Owen Mukisa, whose well-struck free kick narrowly missed target, while Senegal’s Kombi Eze squandered a clear opportunity in the second half.
With no breakthrough after regulation time, the match was decided via penalties. Uganda converted four spot kicks, but Livingstone Kulata’s effort was saved, handing Senegal a 5-4 victory and the championship title.
The final was attended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, underscoring the growing significance of the continental schools tournament.
Despite the painful loss, Kitende delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament, showcasing dominance in both attack and defence.
Uganda began their Group A campaign with a 1-1 draw against hosts Zimbabwe before bouncing back emphatically with a 6-0 thrashing of DR Congo. Owen Mukisa starred with a hat-trick in that match, while Musa Kironde, Ivan Kakinda, and Emmanuel Opio also got on the scoresheet.
They followed it up with a 3-0 victory over Morocco, where Lucky Wanyama netted a brace and Mukisa added another goal.
Uganda progressed to the semi-finals with seven points, scoring 10 goals and conceding just once in the group stage.
In the semi-final, Kitende held Benin to a goalless draw before edging them 4-3 on penalties to book a place in the final.
Teen forward Owen Mukisa emerged as Uganda’s standout player, finishing as the team’s top scorer with four goals, while the defence remained one of the most solid units in the tournament.
Coach Hassan Zzungu made tactical adjustments in the final, including starting Shakur Ngobi and introducing substitutes Livingstone Kulata, Frank Musisi, and Akram Ssenyonga to inject fresh energy into the game.
As runners-up of the 2026 championship, St Mary’s Kitende earned USD 200,000 (approximately Shs739 million), capping off an impressive continental campaign.
The performance further cements Uganda’s growing reputation in youth football on the African stage, particularly through school-based competitions.
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