By John Baptist Opua
Mentor Secondary School reaffirmed their dominance in schools’ football after edging Trinity College Abilonino 1-0 to retain the USSSA Lango Zone Football Championship title for the third consecutive year.
The tense boys’ final, staged at Ngai SS Play Ground in Oyam District, drew a massive crowd of students, community members and local leaders. The decisive moment arrived in the 17th minute when referee Tonny Agir penalised a Trinity defender for handling the ball inside the box. Mentor captain Deng Garang, a South Sudanese international, coolly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Despite relentless exchanges from both sides, Mentor held firm to protect their lead and complete the tournament without conceding a single goal in nine matches. They had earlier dispatched Lira Town College 2-0 in the semifinals, while Trinity overcame Dr Obote College 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Head coach Ronald Okello praised his side’s preparation, stressing that defending the zonal crown was only the first step toward national glory. “Last year we finished fourth in Ngora. This time, playing at home, we are determined to go all the way,” he said.
Mentor’s goalkeeper, inspired by their run at the USSSA Elite Games where they lost to Bukedea Comprehensive SS, expressed ambition to break into the national team and lead his school to victory at the upcoming championship.
USSSA vice-chairman Okot P’Bitek hailed Mentor’s quality and urged all qualified schools to prepare diligently while avoiding hooliganism. In the third-place playoff, Lira Town College beat Dr Obote College 2-0.
Mentor SS, Trinity College Abilonino and Dr Obote College will now represent the Lango Zone at the USSSA National Championship, set for next month in Lira City at Lira Town College.
