The Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) national boys’ football championship enters the knockout stage on Wednesday after the group games ended on Tuesday.

The event which started on Saturday last week and attracted 64 boys teams representing the 19 USSSA zones, was officially opened today by the Sports Minister Peter Ogwang.

The minister who was accompanied by PES Commissioner Rev Can Duncans Mugumya, USSSA president Justus Mugisha, and Masaka SS headteacher Hajji Mpungu Musoke thanked the head teachers for allowing talent identification and development but cautioned those that encourage ineligibility in schools sports.

A big crowd watching the Kimanya vs Bukedea Game

And in the official opening match, hosts Masaka SS played to a 1-1 draw against Andy Mwesigwa, a result that qualified them as number two in Group O, and will be taking on rivals St Henry’s Kitovu in the round of 32 tomorrow.

Another highlight of Wednesday’s knockout round will be the meeting between 2018 champions Buddo SS taking on title hopefuls Bukedea Comprehensive.

Bukedea Comprehensive School (red) taking on Highway Kiganda

Buddo topped their group H with maximum points from 3 games, while Bukedea who lost 2-1 to eventual group G leaders and home side Blessed Sacrament Kimanya, had to wait for their qualification to this round until they beat Tawheed 4-0 to secure second slot.

In another round of 32 fixtures holders, Kitende take on home side St Charles Lwanga Kasasa, Buddo SS will meet Bukedea Comprehensive, Kisozi Seed will take on Old Kampala, Jinja Progressive will play Fort Portal SS, St Juliana meets Kyadondo SS, Amus College will play In Paidha SS, Kibuli SS has Jinja SS, Welden School Mbarara plays against Kabalega SS, Standard High Zzana will play against Ndejje SS while Kimanya will be up against Kakungulu Memorial as Layibi meets Kawempe Moslem.

According to the program, the round of 32 will be played tomorrow Wednesday, while the round of 16 will be played on Thursday with the quarters on Friday with the semis and finals will be played on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Round of 32 fixtures

Masaka SS Vs St Henry’s Kitovu

Kitende Vs Kasasa

Buddo SS Vs Bukedea Comprehensive

Kisozi Seed Vs Old Kampala

Jinja Progressive Vs Fort Portal SS

St Juliana Vs Kyadondo SS

Amus College Vs Paidha SS

Kibuli SS Vs Jinja SS

Welden School Vs Kabalega SS

Standard High Zzana Vs Ndejje SS/Mentor

Kimanya Vs Kakungulu Memorial

Layibi Vs Kawempe Moslem

Jinja Comprehensive Vs Londo College

Wisdon SS Vs Ndejje/Mentor