Madina Islamic Secondary School and Greenlight Islamic Secondary School – Nansana have secured the final qualification slots for the 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Championships set to run from May 10th to 19th in Lira.
The two sides bounced back from quarter-final heartbreak to clinch qualification through the classification playoffs, where losing quarter-finalists battled for the remaining tickets to the national stage.
Following their success, Wakiso Zone’s six representatives at the nationals are Buddo Secondary School, St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School – Kitende, Kyaddondo Secondary School, Aidan College, Greenlight Islamic Secondary School – Nansana, and Madina Islamic Secondary School.
Madina Islamic’s route to qualification came via a tense encounter against London College – Nansana. The contest ended 1-1 in normal time before Madina triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
London College had earlier taken the lead in the first half through an unfortunate own goal by Shakib Ssempijja.
However, Madina found their breakthrough late in the second half when Michelle Kabika delivered a stunning direct free kick to level matters.
In the ensuing shootout, composure proved decisive. Hassan Ssaka and AbdulRahman Arinda missed their attempts for London College, while Aiman Abasi, AbdulRatif Eperu, Nelson Kabereka, and Joseph Ssebunya converted to send Madina through.
In the other classification fixture, Greenlight Islamic Secondary School – Nansana held Standard High School – Zzana to a goalless draw in normal time before prevailing 5-3 on penalties.
Jonah Mugisha’s missed spot kick proved costly for Standard High School, handing Greenlight the decisive edge and a place at the nationals, which will be hosted at Lira Town College.
Earlier in the quarter-finals, Greenlight had narrowly fallen 3-2 to St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School – Kitende.
Elvis Kimuli struck twice for Greenlight, but goals from Lorian Kisakye, Jackson Ayiyi, and Denis Kisiriko ensured Kitende progressed.
Meanwhile, Standard High School – Zzana had suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 penalty defeat to Aidan College following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Ibra Ssekyewa had given Aidan College an early advantage, but an own goal by Fahad Kato restored parity for Standard High, forcing the contest into penalties.
With qualification now secured, both Madina Islamic and Greenlight Islamic Secondary School – Nansana will turn their focus to the national championships in Lira, where they join a strong Wakiso contingent aiming for top honours.
