The 2026 Elite Championship boys’ football tournament delivered high drama as traditional powerhouses fell at the quarter-final stage in a gripping showdown at Janan Secondary School.
Both Buddo SS and St Mary’s Kitende saw their campaigns come to an abrupt end after fiercely contested encounters that kept fans on edge.
St Mary’s Kitende were edged out by Bukedea Comprehensive School following a dramatic penalty shootout. The sides were inseparable after 90 minutes, settling for a 1-1 stalemate in normal time. Elvis Apakrwoth put Kitende on the scoresheet, while Deus Niwaha responded for Bukedea Comprehensive. However, in the decisive shootout, Bukedea held their nerve to triumph 4-1 from the spot.
Buddo SS also suffered heartbreak, falling 1-0 to FortPortal SS. Ali Kiyingi proved the difference-maker, netting the only goal of the contest to send FortPortal into the last four.
Elsewhere, Mentor SS survived a penalty scare to eliminate Kyaddondo SS. After a balanced 1-1 draw in regulation time — with Joseph Kakooza scoring for Kyaddondo and Emmanuel Epila replying for Mentor — the tie was decided via spot kicks. Mentor SS emerged 5-4 winners in the shootout.
In another electrifying fixture, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga overcame Standard High School Zzana after a six-goal thriller ended 3-3 at full-time. Lubaga kept their composure in penalties, sealing a 4-2 victory to secure a semi-final berth.
The competition now shifts focus to the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday, March 1.
FortPortal SS will lock horns with Bukedea Comprehensive School at Standard High Grounds starting 10:00am, while Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga face Mentor SS at the Janan SS grounds at the same time.
The winners from the two morning clashes will return later in the day to contest the championship final, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a captivating tournament.
Quarter-Final Results
- Buddo SS 0-1 FortPortal SS
- St Mary’s Kitende 1(1)-1(4) Bukedea Comprehensive School
- Mentor SS 1(5)-1(4) Kyaddondo SS
- Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga 3(4)-3(2) Standard High School Zzana
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