St. Mary’s Kitende have underlined their status as one of Africa’s most formidable school sides after storming into the final of the 2026 CAF Schools Football Championship, carrying Uganda’s flag with authority and purpose.
In a tense semi-final showdown at Ngoni Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Ugandan representatives edged past Benin 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tightly contested match ended goalless in regulation time.
Under the blazing afternoon sun, neither side could find a breakthrough, but Kitende once again showed their composure and winning mentality when it mattered most.
This latest triumph is a continuation of what has been a commanding campaign. From the group stages, Kitende have played with confidence and clarity, netting an impressive 10 goals while conceding just once, a testament to both their attacking flair and defensive discipline.
Awaiting them in the grand finale is a ruthless Senegal side that dismantled Morocco 4-0 in the other semi-final, setting up a blockbuster clash between two of the tournament’s most clinical teams.
Beyond the glory, the stakes could not be higher. Kitende have already secured a minimum of $200,000 (approximately UGX 730 million), but victory in the final would see that figure rise to a staggering $300,000 (about UGX 1.1 billion).
For a school football competition, the prize money underscores CAF’s growing investment in youth football development across the continent.
As Friday, April 10 beckons, Kitende stand on the brink of history, one more performance away from continental supremacy and a record payday that would further cement their legacy as a powerhouse of school football in Africa.
