Buddo Secondary School delivered a polished and clinical performance to secure a deserved 3-0 victory over Kisozi Seed Secondary School, sealing their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Boys Football Championship in Lira City.
The Wakiso-based giants asserted their dominance early, taking the lead in the 22nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by John Bosco Ssembuusi.
The defender inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to deal with a dangerous, well-delivered free kick from Ronald Ssegirinya Mukasa.
Buddo returned from the break with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage just eight minutes into the second half.
Aaron Okello produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a spectacular long-range strike from approximately 40 yards that left the goalkeeper with no chance, underlining Buddo’s attacking prowess.
Hillary Tumwiine put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages, reacting quickest to a loose clearance inside the penalty area to slot home from close range with six minutes remaining.
The emphatic victory sets up an intriguing Round of 16 clash against Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, who also impressed with a 2-0 win over Kichwamba High School.
Ramadan Ssali was the standout performer, netting a brace to guide Kawempe into the next round.
In other fixtures, Mbale Progressive Secondary School edged past Masindi Secondary School 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
London College Nansana also progressed, registering a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Agape Secondary School to book a meeting with Mbale Progressive in the next round.
The Round of 32 action continues later in the day with 12 more matches scheduled across midday, 2 pm, and 4 pm kick-offs as the race for national glory intensifies.
The championship, which kicked off on May 10, will culminate on May 19 at Lira Town College Playground.
The stakes remain high, with the top four teams earning the honour of representing Uganda at the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games slated for August in Morogoro, Tanzania.
