St. Mary's Kitende finish second at CAF African Schools Football Championship

CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026

Friday 10th

Finals
Uganda 0 Senegal 0 (Senegal win 5-4 on penalties)

Uganda's representatives, St. Mary's Boarding Secondary School Kitende, put up a strong performance to finish second at the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026 boys' finals in Zimbabwe.

The final, attended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, saw Uganda face a tough Senegalese side in a closely contested match that ended goalless in normal time before Senegal edged the penalty shootout 5–4.

Under head coach Hassan Zzungu, Uganda made one key change from the semi-final line-up, bringing in Shakur Ngobi to start, while captain Livingstone Kulata began on the bench.

Uganda started with Imran Ssebbale in goal, protected by Eze Kombi, Haruna Kisakye, Shafic Kitimbo, and Elisa Mukasa in defence. The midfield consisted of Musa Kironde, Bashir Edema, and Lucky Wanyama, while Owen Mukisa and Nabiru Kajumba led the attack alongside Ngobi.

Senegal began the game strongly, dominating possession early and putting Uganda under pressure in the opening minutes. However, Uganda stayed calm and organised at the back to deny them an early goal.

Owen Mukisa, who entered the match with four goals and was chasing the golden boot, had a chance from a free kick, but his effort was well saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper.

Uganda's Nabiru Kajumba was booked in the first half, while Senegal continued to create chances but failed to score. The first half ended 0–0.

After the break, Uganda improved and tried to build from the back, looking to control the tempo. Eze Kombi nearly gave Uganda the lead but missed a good chance from a cut-back by Mukisa.

With five minutes left, Uganda won a free kick but could not make it count. The coaches then made changes, bringing on Livingstone Kulata, Frank Musisi, and Akram Ssenyonga to add fresh energy.

Goalkeeper Imran Ssebbale was later substituted for Hamidu Kasumba ahead of the penalty shootout, a tactic that had worked in the semi-final win over Benin.

After 40 minutes of play, the match went straight to penalties. Both teams converted their first four kicks. Uganda scored through Bashir Edema, Shafic Kitimbo, Frank Musisi, and Akram Ssenyonga.

However, in the decisive moment, Livingstone Kulata's penalty was saved, handing Senegal a 5–4 victory.

For finishing as runners-up, Uganda earned USD 200,000 (approximately Shs 739 million), while the winners received USD 300,000.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship, launched in 2021, continues to grow as one of the biggest youth football competitions on the continent, giving young players a platform to showcase their talent.