Kakungulu Memorial School will get another opportunity to end their wait for the USSSA Boys’ U20 Futsal Championship title after securing a second consecutive final appearance, setting up a mouthwatering clash with Kyaddondo SS on Thursday.
Last year’s runners-up survived a stern test from tournament surprise package Light SS Soroti, edging them 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal on Wednesday afternoon.
Debutants Light SS once again showcased their attacking prowess and created numerous opportunities, but their wastefulness in front of goal ultimately proved costly against a more experienced Kakungulu side.
Derrick Kuloba handed Kakungulu the lead before Ronnie Asiimwe doubled their advantage. Simon Peter Obore twice pulled Light SS back into the contest, but Hassan Dhaira’s strike eventually proved decisive as Kakungulu held on to reach another final.
Among Kakungulu’s standout performers was Ibrahim Azabo, whose top-flight futsal experience played a key role in guiding his side through the tense encounter. The Kisenyi player admitted his team had to dig deep to secure victory.
“We were lucky to win because Light gave us a very difficult game,” Azabo said. “Experience helped us in key moments and now we are confident of lifting the title.”
With defending champions Mukono Kings absent from this year’s championship, Kakungulu will be confident of going one step further than last season.
Kyaddondo Await
Standing in Kakungulu’s way will be an impressive Kyaddondo SS side that defeated St. Francis Busunju 4-2 in the first semifinal.
Junior Jude Kakooza stole the show with a superb hat-trick, while Junior Joseph Mudde added the fourth goal to seal Kyaddondo’s place in the final despite Allan Bakiika scoring twice for Busunju.
Meanwhile, Light SS recovered from their semifinal disappointment to finish third after edging St. Francis Busunju 3-2 in the bronze medal playoff.
Despite missing out on the final, Light captain Simon Peter Obore remained upbeat, pointing to the team’s qualification for the FEASSSA Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.
“We saw how close we came,” Obore said. “I believe we are capable of doing even better when we go to Morogoro.”
The stage is now set for an exciting finale as Kyaddondo SS and Kakungulu Memorial School battle for the USSSA Boys’ U20 Futsal Championship crown on Thursday morning.Thursday Fixtures
Girls U20
St. Francis Busunju vs Masheruka Girls – 8:00am
Kakungulu Memorial School vs Seroma Christian High School – 9:00am
Boys U20 Final
Kyaddondo SS vs Kakungulu Memorial School – 10:00am