By John Baptist Opua
Sacred Heart Secondary School clinched the 2025 USSSA Acholi Zonal Championship title in the girls’ category after a commanding 4-1 victory over Restore Leadership School in the finals held at St. John Paul VI in Nwoya District.
The win marked a resounding comeback for Sacred Heart, a historically strong side from Northern Uganda, who were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of last year’s national championships.
Unbeaten throughout the tournament, Sacred Heart demonstrated clear improvements and strategic preparation, asserting themselves as the top team in the region.
Their path to the final included a convincing 4-0 semi-final win over Gulu High School, reinforcing their dominance in the competition.
In the final, Sacred Heart took early control, scoring three goals while Restore Leadership managed a solitary goal in the first half.
Despite increased intensity in the second half, Sacred Heart maintained their momentum and added a fourth to secure the title.
Restore Leadership Academy reached the final after edging Koro Secondary School 1-0 in a hard-fought semi-final. Their campaign, marked by resilience and determination, saw them finish as worthy runners-up.
In the boys’ category, Bishop Angelo Negri SS emerged victorious, defeating Lagwai Seed Secondary School 2-0 in the final. Lagwai Seed had earlier beaten Kitgum Comprehensive School 1-0 in the semi-finals, while Bishop Angelo Negri booked their spot with a 2-0 win over St. Mary’s Lacor.
The top four schools in the girls’ division will now represent the Acholi zone at the National Ball Games I championship in Bukedea. Meanwhile, the top three boys’ teams will advance to the National Boys’ Football Championship in Ngora.
