The USSSA boys’ football championship in Masaka had the quarterfinal stage games played on Friday on a day of morning rain that delayed the commencement.

It was not only the rain, but also several petitions handled by the organizing committee disciplinary wing, where losing teams in the round of 16 and first quarterfinal sought the attention of the committee over fielding of ineligible players by their tormentors.

Action between Kitende (blue) and Kimaanya

In the outcomes, Jinja SS that had won the round of 16 game against Amus College on Thursday, saw them lose their position to Amus over the usage of an ineligible player, while Kawempe Moslem petition against Kisozi Seed School and Masaka SS’ against St Juliana were thrown out for lack of evidence.

When the games finally resumed at Kituvu sports arena, St. Juliana retained their semifinal slot after having eliminated hosts Masaka SS 3-2 on penalties following a 0-0 full-time draw.

Part of the crowd that turned up for the Quarterfinal game between Kitende and Kimaanya

Jinja Progressive punished Amus College School with a 3-0 beating to book their semifinal slot, in a championship they had only been allowed to participate in after failing to qualify on merit from Busoga zone.

The crowd-pulling game between Kitende and home side Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya saw hundreds of spectators start thronging Kitovu Sports Arena as early as midday and braving the rain and by 3 pm, entrance to the Arena was by pushing and shoving.

Action between Bukedea Comprehensive (grey) and Kisozi Seed School

The arena staff was seen drawing the water off the pitch as it had all been logged, to allow a playable surface.

And when the game started under loud cheers from the home fans, Issa Bugembe scored to put the defending champions ahead before Ronald Madoi made it two with a header from a corner to silence the crowds.

Arena staff drawing water in an attempt to drain the pitch

In the other game Bukedea Comprehensive School that had played a delayed round of 16 game against Wisdom High and winning 4-1 in the morning, needed a 6-5 penalty shootout win over debutants Kisozi Seed School after a 0-0 draw to also seal their maiden semifinal win.

The semifinal lineup set for Saturday has Kitende taking on Jinja Progressive Academy while Bukedea Comprehensive will take on St Juliana in the other semifinal to battle for the final slot slated for Sunday.

 USSSA boys’ football quarter final results

Kitende 2 Kimaanya 0

St Juliana 0 (3) Masaka SS 0 (2)

Bukedea 0 (6) Kisozi 0 (5)

Jinja Progressive 3 Amus 0

Semifinal fixture

Kitende Vs Jinja Progressive

St Juliana Vs Bukedea Comprehensive