Uganda’s campaign at the CAF African Schools Football Championship kicked off with mixed fortunes on Wednesday, April 23, in Accra, Ghana, as St. Noa Girls Secondary School grabbed a famous win while St. Mary’s Kitende were handed a tough defeat.
In the girls’ category, CECAFA champions St. Noa Girls School (Team Uganda) made a perfect start to their Group B campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions South Africa.
Grace Kawiino was the heroine of the day, scoring the game’s only goal in the second half to secure a crucial three points for the Ugandan side.
The win not only gives St. Noa early momentum in the group but also sends a strong message to their continental rivals.
With two matches lined up on Thursday, the Ugandan girls will be aiming to seal a spot in the knockout stages.
They take on The Gambia at 1 PM (Ugandan time) before facing off with DR Congo at 5 PM to wrap up the group stage.
In the boys’ competition, it was a disappointing start for St. Mary’s Kitende, who fell 2-0 to hosts Ghana in their opening Group A match.
The Ugandan giants, making their second appearance at the continental showpiece, struggled to contain the home side’s pace and intensity, ultimately conceding a goal in either half.
With qualification hopes still alive, Kitende must now bounce back in their remaining group games.
On Thursday, they face Algeria at 2 PM and South Africa at 6 PM; both must-win matches if they are to secure a top-two finish and advance to the semifinals scheduled for Friday.
The tournament continues at the University of Ghana with group stage matches wrapping up tomorrow, ahead of the knockout rounds.
A total of USD 300,000 awaits the winners in each category, giving Uganda’s representatives plenty of motivation to fight on.
As the dust settles on day one, St. Noa will be eager to keep their momentum alive, while Kitende faces a test of character in their bid to stay in contention for continental glory.
