St. Noa , Kitende Power Uganda into CAF African Schools Football Championship Semis | Sbk Sports Mail

WRITTEN BY:

Brian Sentuuya

Uganda’s journey in the CAF African Schools Championship continues to shine with undeniable brilliance, as the nation’s representatives—St. Noa Girls Secondary School and St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende—clinched their semifinal berths in emphatic fashion. With disciplined performances, impressive tactical organization, and clinical finishing, both schools have brought honor not only to themselves but also to the country at large, reaffirming Uganda’s position as a rising force in continental youth football.

St. Noa Girls Secondary School has emerged as a dominant powerhouse in the girls’ category of this prestigious competition. Their campaign began with a closely contested match against defending champions South Africa, a side rich in pedigree and experience. However, it was Uganda’s own Grace Kawino who made the difference, scoring the match-winning goal in the 25th minute and setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable group stage run for the Wakiso-based school.

Building on that historic victory, St. Noa Girls carried their momentum into their second group stage fixture against The Gambia. The team exhibited poise, attacking intent, and technical superiority, eventually cruising to a commanding 3-0 win. Lillian Nabukeera stood out with a brilliant brace, while Grace Kawino was once again on target, reinforcing her growing reputation as one of the tournament’s deadliest finishers.

In their third and final group match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, St. Noa delivered yet another statement of intent. With elegant passing, swift movement, and a relentless attacking approach, the Ugandan side dismantled their opponents 3-0. Brenda Nassaka opened the scoring early, Lydia Namaseruka added the second, and Kawino completed the rout with her third goal of the tournament—cementing her status as a central figure in St. Noa’s inspiring run.

Having completed the group stage with three wins from three games, scoring seven goals and conceding none, St. Noa Girls finished top of their group in commanding fashion. Their unblemished defensive record and balanced goal distribution highlight a team that is well-drilled, composed, and relentless in its pursuit of success. The girls have displayed not only skill but also a level of maturity beyond their years.

On the boys’ side, St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende demonstrated the spirit of champions by bouncing back from adversity with unmatched determination. After suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to host nation Ghana in their opening match, many doubted their chances. However, the team regrouped quickly and responded with two consecutive victories that reminded the continent why Kitende is regarded as a school football giant.

Their redemption arc began with a resounding 4-0 triumph over Algeria. Kitende’s confidence was evident from the onset, and their fluid attacking display overwhelmed the North Africans. The goals came from a diverse set of players: Nabir Kajjumba initiated the scoring, followed by efforts from Henry Muhoozi, Livingstone Kulata, and Pius Kabenge. It was a complete team performance, with each department functioning at a high level.

Kitende’s momentum carried into their third group game against a strong South African side. With calculated passes and creative build-up play, the Ugandan side once again proved too much for their opponents. The scoreboard read 4-1 in favour of Kitende at full-time, with goals from Muhoozi, Kajjumba, Ashraf Kyakuwa, and Yasin Nsubuga sealing the emphatic win. Though South Africa managed a late consolation, it did little to tarnish the brilliance of the Ugandan side’s display.

These two back-to-back victories propelled Kitende into the semifinals with a renewed sense of belief and ambition. Scoring eight goals in two games and conceding only once, the boys showed immense mental strength, tactical discipline, and a hunger for glory. Their resilience after a rough start speaks volumes about their character and the strong mentorship guiding them.

The contributions of individual players across both Ugandan sides have been central to their successes. For St. Noa, the heroics of Grace Kawino have become a tournament headline. Her three goals in three matches and her sharp awareness in the final third have made her a nightmare for defenders. Nabukeera’s brace and the goal apiece from Nassaka and Namaseruka further underline the attacking depth of this exceptional team.

Kitende’s campaign has similarly been bolstered by a wide array of talented scorers. Kajjumba and Muhoozi have each found the net twice, proving instrumental in critical moments. The supporting cast of Kulata, Kabenge, Kyakuwa, and Nsubuga have all contributed crucial goals, showcasing the team’s ability to spread responsibility and avoid over-reliance on any single player.

The coaching staff of both teams deserve tremendous credit for instilling tactical intelligence, teamwork, and emotional resilience in their players. St. Noa’s consistency and composure under pressure, combined with Kitende’s ability to bounce back from defeat and dominate, reflect strong technical guidance and a winning mentality forged in training.

Beyond the results, what these performances signify for Uganda is something deeper and more enduring. They demonstrate the fruits of investing in school-level sports, the impact of structured development programs, and the value of nurturing raw talent from an early age. The discipline, unity, and ambition displayed by both teams are a testament to the power of grassroots football.

These teams have not only carried the Ugandan flag high on foreign soil but also inspired countless young footballers back home. They have shown that with determination, teamwork, and faith in one’s abilities, young players can rise to continental stages and compete with the best. Their stories have added new energy to Uganda’s footballing narrative.

As they head into the semifinals, the expectations are high, but so is the confidence. With well-balanced squads, effective coaching, and momentum on their side, both St. Noa Girls and St. Mary’s SS Kitende have what it takes to go all the way. The dream of lifting the CAF African Schools Championship trophy is now well within reach.

Whatever happens next, the exploits of these teams will be remembered for years to come. Their group stage heroics have already written a glowing chapter in Uganda’s school sports history. They have proven that Uganda belongs on the continental stage and that its young athletes can excel at the highest levels.

In the broader picture, this success serves as a rallying call for continued investment in sports education, infrastructure, and mentorship. The story of St. Noa and Kitende is not just about goals and wins; it is about vision, preparation, and belief in the potential of Ugandan youth.

With their eyes firmly set on the semifinals, both schools now march forward with purpose. As Uganda watches with pride and hope, one thing remains clear: this is more than a tournament—it is a movement. And in that movement, St. Noa and Kitende are leading the way.

Meanwhile, as team Uganda advances to the semifinals of the CAF African Schools Championship, their success resonates far beyond the tournament itself. The performances of St. Noa Girls and St. Mary’s SS Kitende are a reflection of the growing strength of Ugandan youth football, with each player contributing to the nation’s upward trajectory. The teams’ impressive displays in this championship are not only bringing pride to their schools but also reinforcing Uganda’s place on the continental football map.

In a remarkable turn of events, Uganda recently qualified for their first-ever U-17 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over The Gambia. This achievement highlights the immense potential within Uganda’s youth football ranks, and players from St. Mary’s SS Kitende have been central to this success. Key figures such as Ashraf Kyakuwa, whose dynamism and creativity were instrumental in Kitende’s strong performances, and goalkeeper Adrian Mukwanga, whose crucial saves during the qualification campaign earned him widespread acclaim, were pivotal in securing Uganda’s spot at the global stage. Their contributions underscore the depth of talent at Kitende, which continues to nurture some of the country’s brightest prospects.

The upcoming U-17 World Cup, set to take place from November 3 to November 27, 2025, in Qatar, will feature 48 teams for the first time. This historic expansion of the tournament will see the best young talents from across the world battle for glory, with Germany returning as the reigning champions after a thrilling victory in 2023. Uganda’s qualification for this prestigious event is a testament to the country’s long-term investment in developing young footballers, and with players like Kyakuwa and Mukwanga leading the charge, there is great hope for the nation’s performance in Qatar.

As St. Noa Girls and St. Mary’s SS Kitende continue to make strides at the CAF African Schools Championship, they are helping to shape the future of Ugandan football. These young athletes are not just competing—they are representing a generation poised for greatness on the global stage. The successes of these two teams, combined with Uganda’s recent qualification for the U-17 World Cup, demonstrate that the nation is on the rise in international football.

With the world watching, both St. Noa Girls and St. Mary’s SS Kitende will continue to inspire countless aspiring footballers in Uganda and beyond. As Uganda prepares for the U-17 World Cup, there is a growing sense of optimism that these young talents will build on their recent successes and carry their confidence and skills to Qatar.

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