The reigning Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) champions St. Julian High School, kicked off their FEASSA Games campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Kalangalala in the Boys’ football category.
St. Julian started strong, with midfielder Simon Wanyama opening the scoring in the 15th minute.
Wanyama capitalised on a well-timed assist from Simone Ssevume, sending a precise strike to the far post that left the Kalangalala goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Just nine minutes later, St Julian doubled their lead through forward Patrick Ssenkusu, who deftly navigated through the Tanzanian defence to slot home the second goal, putting the Ugandan side in a comfortable position early in the game.
Kalangalala, though, earned a consolation with a penalty in the first half additional time, which Dickson Bimarungu converted, bringing the score to 2-1 as the half concluded.
The second half saw both teams create opportunities, but neither side could find the back of the net.
St. Julian, under the guidance of coach Felix Ssekabuuza, maintained their lead despite some wasted chances from both sides.
“We came with the target of winning each game. Thank God we have gained the three points, which boosts us into our next match,” said Ssekabuuza after the game.
In another pool B match played at the same venue, co-hosts Amus College, who are the ISF World Cup football runner-up, also claimed victory, defeating Rwanda’s APE Rukunga 2-1.
The victory is their first for this year’s FEASSA Games campaign, after their 2-2 draw against Musingu Secondary School on Monday.
Brian Majub opened the scoring for Amus in the 13th minute, and Bashir Mansur sealed the win with a goal in the 53rd minute.
Kevin Frank scored a consolation goal for APE Rukunga.
Amus College now lead the group with four points from two matches, while St. Julian High School sits in second place with three points, but have played one game less.
St. Julian will now face APE Rukunga today at 3 PM, while Amus College will clash with St. Julian on Friday, August 23, in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
