Kyadondo Secondary School began their Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys’ Football Championship campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Kigumba Intensive Secondary School in a tightly contested encounter in Lira City.
The Wakiso representatives, who qualified as losing finalists, showed resilience and attacking intent, with Rafael Masudu and Joseph Kakooza finding the decisive moments in a game defined by fine margins.
After a cagey first half, Kyadondo asserted themselves early in the second period.
Just five minutes after the restart, Rafael Masud broke the deadlock, calmly slotting home to give his side a deserved lead and inject momentum into their play.
Kigumba Intensive, themselves Bunyoro zone runners-up, responded with urgency.
Their persistence paid off almost immediately, as Victor Adoko rose highest to power in a header, restoring parity and setting up a tense finale.
With the contest seemingly headed for a draw, Kyadondo capitalised on a late defensive lapse.
In the closing four minutes, Joseph Kakooza reacted quickest to a loose clearance from a corner situation, pressing home the winner to seal all three points for his side.
Both teams entered the national championship with near-miss credentials. Kyadondo fell 2–1 to St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School, Kitende in a thrilling Wakiso District final at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, while Kigumba Intensive suffered heartbreak in the Bunyoro zone final, losing 3–1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Attention now turns to the next round of fixtures, with Kyadondo set to face Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) on Tuesday, while Kigumba Intensive will take on Kalisizo Seed Secondary School.
Defending champions Buddo Secondary School remain the team to beat, having clinched last year’s title in Ngora with victory over St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School, Kitende in the final.
The 2026 championship, which kicked off on 10th May, will run through to 19th May, with matches hosted across Lira City, including the main venue at Lira Town College.
