Author: Ahmed Marsha

The FUFA Technical Center in Njeru witnessed a dramatic shift in tempo during the second matchday of the FUFA TV Cup 2024 Giant 8 tournament. Unlike the goal-laden opening round, which saw a staggering 18 goals, Matchday 2 was defined by tactical battles and defensive resilience, with only five goals scored across four fiercely contested games. Uganda’s top secondary schools showcased their grit and strategic prowess, with the results leaving some teams on the brink of qualification while others fought to keep their dreams alive.

Wednesday, 28th August 2024

Mengo Senior School 1-0 Mpanga SSS
In the scorching Njeru sun, Mengo Senior School faced off against Mpanga SSS in a game that was more about strategy than spectacle. Both teams were determined to protect their goal, leading to a first half that ended in a stalemate. However, the deadlock was broken just six minutes into the second half when Ivan Lukambya found the back of the net, sending the Mengo supporters into a frenzy. The goal not only brought joy but also mounted pressure on Mengo to defend their slim lead. Despite Mpanga’s relentless efforts to equalize, Mengo held firm, securing a crucial victory after their opening match defeat.

Nganwa High School 0-1 Nabumali High School
The second match of the day featured a clash between Nganwa High School and Nabumali High School. Both teams entered the pitch with a clear intent to dominate, launching a series of attacks right from the kickoff. The breakthrough came early when Nabumali’s star striker, Shakiri Wandera, delivered a stunning goal in the 10th minute. Despite Nganwa’s attempts to level the score, Nabumali’s defense remained impenetrable, and they walked away with three vital points. With this win, Nabumali cemented their position at the top of Group A, with six points from two games.

Thursday, 29th August 2024

Jinja SSS 1-0 Lango College
The action continued on Thursday as Jinja SSS took on Lango College in Group B. Lango, fresh off a massive 8-1 victory in their opening match, came into this game full of confidence. However, Jinja SSS had other plans. From the outset, they controlled the tempo, pressing high and creating numerous chances. Their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty, which John Brian Owino coolly converted. Lango College tried to claw their way back into the game in the second half, applying intense pressure and creating several opportunities. However, Jinja’s defense held strong, and they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win, moving them to the top of Group B.

Gombe SS 1-1 St Charles Lwanga Koboko
The final match of the day was a thrilling encounter between Gombe SS and St Charles Lwanga Koboko. Gombe SS took an early lead in the 15th minute through David Tumukunde, sending their fans into raptures. However, their joy was short-lived as St Charles Lwanga Koboko responded with an equalizer in the 62nd minute, courtesy of Ratib Musa Iliham. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with a single point each and everything to play for in their final group matches.

Group Standings After Matchday 2

• Group A: Nabumali High School leads with 6 points, followed by Mengo Senior School with 3 points. Nganwa High School and Mpanga SSS are both on 1 point.
• Group B: Jinja SSS tops the table with 6 points, Lango College sits second with 3 points, while St Charles Lwanga Koboko and Gombe SS are tied at the bottom with 1 point each.

Upcoming Fixtures

As the group stage reaches its climax, the final matches promise to deliver even more excitement:

• Friday, 30th August 2024
  • Nabumali vs. Mpanga at FUFA Technical Center
  • Nganwa vs. Mengo at Jinja SSS Mighty Arena
• Friday, 30th August 2024
  • St Charles Lwanga vs. Lango College at FUFA Technical Center
  • Gombe SS vs. Jinja SSS at Jinja SSS Mighty Arena

All games will kick off at 3:00 pm, and the tension will surely be palpable with everything on the line. Will the current leaders maintain their dominance, or will we witness a dramatic turn of events?

The FUFA TV Cup Giant 8 competition continues in Njeru, wrapping up an exhilarating Matchday 1 with two high-octane matches in Group B. The day was marked by a display of attacking football, as Jinja SSS and Lango College emerged victorious in their respective encounters.

The first match of the day saw Jinja SSS secure a hard-fought 4-2 victory over St Charles Lwanga Koboko in a contest that showcased both teams’ offensive capabilities. Jinja SSS wasted no time taking control, with Sulaiman Kato opening the scoring just two minutes into the game. Their lead was doubled in the 15th minute by Habert Cherotim, giving Jinja a comfortable 2-0 advantage at halftime.

St Charles Lwanga Koboko, however, refused to back down. They launched a spirited comeback early in the second half, with James Mungufeni reducing the deficit in the 52nd minute. Seven minutes later, Nobert Edekiti found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and reigniting the match.

But Jinja SSS was not to be denied. Habert Cherotim, continuing his fine form, scored his second goal of the match in the 66th minute, putting Jinja back in the lead. John Brian Owino then sealed the victory with a goal in the 77th minute, ensuring Jinja SSS claimed all three points in an entertaining encounter.

The afternoon match was a goal fest, with Lango College delivering a resounding 8-1 defeat to Gombe SS in what can only be described as a one-sided affair. Gombe SS initially took the lead in the 3rd minute through a penalty converted by their captain, Mbalire Mujad. However, that early advantage was quickly erased as Lango College responded with a relentless barrage of goals.

Okaye Kizito Oguna’s equalizer in the 9th minute opened the floodgates, as Lango College’s attack proved unstoppable. Emmanuel Ogwal and Yasin Obwonyo each netted hat-tricks, earning them the prestigious Official FUFA Competitions ball, “Zakayo,” a symbol of their remarkable performances. Okori Shadrack added the eighth goal to cap off a dominant display by Lango College, leaving Gombe SS shell-shocked and humbled.

Matchday 1 kicked off yesterday with two tightly contested games in Group A. Nabumali High School edged out Mengo Senior School with a 2-1 victory, while Mpanga SSS and Nganwa High School played out a goalless draw, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.

Nabumali High School secured a 2-1 victory over Mengo Senior School in a thrilling match that kicked off at 12:30 pm. Emma Watiti opened the scoring for Nabumali in first-half added time, giving them the lead at the break. Mengo responded quickly in the second half with a goal from John Sekabira, but Nabumali reclaimed the advantage through Shakiri Wandera, whose goal sealed the win. The match was marked by exciting attacking play from both sides.

In the second match, Mpanga SSS and Nganwa High School played to a 0-0 draw. Mpanga dominated the first half, hitting the woodwork multiple times but failing to score. Nganwa grew into the game after making strategic substitutions in the second half, but neither team could find the net. Nganwa’s coach, Mutebi Yusuf, plans to adopt a more tactical approach in future matches, while Mpanga’s coach, Ampiire Gilbert, noted his team’s struggle with the unfamiliar artificial turf.

Matchday 2 action resumes tomorrow with two fixtures in Group as Mengo Senior School host Mpanga SSS at 12:30 pm and Nganwa High School Kabwohe hosts Nabumali High School at 3:30 pm

Teams will be looking to build on their opening performances as the battle for supremacy in the FUFA TV Cup Giant 8 competition intensifies.

The FUFA Technical Center in Njeru was buzzing with excitement today as the Giant 8 stage of the FUFA TV Cup commenced, bringing together the traditional schools that have made it to the prestigious round of 8. The competition, dubbed The Giant 8, marks a critical phase in this year’s edition, as these schools battle it out for the coveted title.

The first day of the tournament saw two intense Group A matches, each showcasing the determination and skill of the competing teams.

In the opening game, Nabumali High School faced off against Mengo Senior School in a thrilling match that ended 2-1 in favor of Nabumali. The game kicked off at 12:30 pm, with both teams eager to set the tone for their tournament run. Nabumali struck first, with Emma Watiti finding the back of the net in added time of the first half, giving his team a crucial lead going into the break. Mengo Senior School responded just five minutes into the second half when John Sekabira capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score. However, Nabumali quickly regained their lead through Shakiri Wandera, whose goal ultimately secured the victory. The match was a showcase of attacking football, with both teams creating numerous chances and keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.

The second match of the day saw Mpanga SSS and Nganwa High School lock horns in a game that ended in a goalless draw. Despite the lack of goals, the match was far from uneventful. Mpanga SSS came out of the blocks strongly, dominating the first half with several dangerous attacks. Their efforts saw them hit the woodwork multiple times and force a series of corner kicks, but they were unable to break the deadlock. The second half saw a shift in momentum as Nganwa High School made strategic substitutions, which increased their attacking threat and put Mpanga under pressure. Despite their efforts, both teams had to settle for a point each.

Nganwa High School’s coach, Mutebi Yusuf, expressed his intentions to implement a more tactical approach in their upcoming fixtures, aiming for better results in the days to come. On the other hand, Ampiire Gilbert, the coach of Mpanga SSS, attributed his team’s performance to their unfamiliarity with playing on artificial turf, noting that this was their first experience on such a surface.

The excitement continues tomorrow with two Group B fixtures on the schedule. St Charles Lwanga Koboko will take on Jinja SSS at 12:30 pm, followed by a clash between Lango College and Gombe SS at 3:30 pm. Both matches promise to deliver more thrilling football as the battle for the FUFA TV Cup intensifies.

Highlights

The eagerly awaited draws for the Round of 8 in the FUFA TV Cup, also known as “The Giant 8,” took place this morning at the FUFA TV studios in Mengo. The draw was conducted by Kibuli Secondary School’s team captain, Oyiyi Jackson, and saw the eight remaining teams divided into two groups, A and B.

The Draw and Format

The FUFA TV Cup has reached its critical stage, where the final eight teams will battle it out for the top honors. The format for the remaining games is as follows:

• Two Groups: Group A and Group B

• Four Teams Per Group: Each group comprises four teams.

• Single-Leg Matches: Each team will play three group stage matches.

• Top Two Teams Advance: The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals.

• Semifinals: The winners of the semifinal matches will advance to the final.

• Third Place Playoff: The semifinal losers will compete in a third-place playoff game.

Group A

• Nabumali High School

• Mpanga SS

• Nganwa High School Kabwohe

• Mengo Senior School

Group B

• St. Charles Lwanga Koboko

• Lango College

• Gombe SS

• Jinja SSS

The teams are scheduled to arrive at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru on Sunday, 25th August. The competition will then take place at the same venue from 26th August to 2nd September 2024. This will mark the conclusion of this year’s edition of the FUFA TV Cup, which started in June with 65 teams.

The winner of this prestigious tournament will walk away with a non-cash prize of 3 million Ugandan Shillings, a significant achievement for the victorious school.

Message from the Vice Chairman

FUFA Vice Chairman, Mr. Mugerwa Jeremiah, congratulated the eight teams for making it this far in the competition. He emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism as the teams prepare for the upcoming matches. Mr. Mugerwa also called upon football fans to rally behind their favorite teams, ensuring a vibrant and supportive atmosphere at Njeru. He assured fans that they would be treated to exciting and competitive football during the final stages of the tournament.

Intense Competition Expected

As the tournament narrows down to the final eight, the competition is expected to reach a fever pitch. Each of the remaining teams has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience to make it this far, setting the stage for fiercely contested matches. Group A, which features schools like Nabumali High School and Mengo Senior School, is particularly intriguing, with all four teams boasting strong comeback records in the earlier rounds. Mengo Senior School, known for its tactical discipline, will face a tough challenge from the physically imposing Nabumali High School, while Mpanga SS and Nganwa High School Kabwohe are expected to bring their own brand of dynamic football to the pitch.

In Group B, the matchups are equally compelling. Jinja SSS is a perennial powerhouses in school football, known for its aggressive play and high-scoring games will face St. Charles Lwanga Koboko, Lango College and Gombe SS which must however not be underestimated. All teams have shown they can hold their own against the very best, making this group an unpredictable battle ground.

Fans can expect every match to be a tactical chess game, where a single moment of brilliance or a minor mistake could decide the outcome.

With so much on the line, the pressure on these young athletes is immense, but so too is the opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the biggest stages in Ugandan Traditional school football. The FUFA Tv Cup has a history of producing future stars, and all eyes will be on Njeru to see who emerges as the next standout player. For the teams, this is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to make history, gain recognition, and elevate their schools to national prominence.

The stage is set, and anticipation is high as these young talents prepare to showcase their skills on the national stage.

As the FUFA TV Cup reaches the thrilling Round of 16 stage, excitement is at an all-time high among the traditional schools, coaches, and fans alike. The competition is heating up as schools vie for a coveted spot in the final 8, which will compete at the national level at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru later this month.

Coaches are gearing up for what promises to be tighter and more fierce battles, with each team eager to prove their mettle on the field. The first leg of the Round of 16 is set for this weekend 2^nd to 4^th August 2024, to commence with a highly anticipated match between Mengo Senior School and Kibuli Secondary School on Friday, August 2, 2024. The game will kick off at 4:30 PM and will be broadcast live on FUFA TV, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

The showdown between Mengo Senior School and Kibuli Secondary School marks the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying Round of 16. Mengo Senior School, known for their strategic gameplay and solid defense, will be looking to leverage their home advantage to secure a favorable result. On the other hand, Kibuli Secondary School, with their dynamic attacking style, will aim to disrupt Mengo’s plans and claim victory in the opening leg.

The excitement doesn’t end with Friday’s opener. The weekend is packed with more thrilling encounters, including the long-awaited match between Nganwa High School and Mutolere Secondary School, both of which had a bye in the Round of 32. Nganwa High School will host Mutolere on Saturday, bringing an added layer of anticipation as Nganwa has already showcased their prowess by eliminating St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School in a 10-goal thriller during the preliminary rounds and overcoming Muntuyera High School in a tense encounter which was separated by spot kicks shootout in the Round of 64.

Nganwa High School’s journey to the Round of 16 has been nothing short of dramatic. Their thrilling victories, marked by high-scoring matches and nail-biting finishes, have made them a team to watch. As they host Mutolere Secondary School, who are fresh and eager to prove themselves after a bye in the previous round, fans can expect a match filled with intensity and excitement.

Another high-stakes match will see Gombe Senior Secondary School hosting pioneers Namilyango College. Gombe’s qualification, secured through an away goals advantage after drawing 1-1 away to St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria and a goalless draw at home, showcased their tactical discipline and resilience. Meanwhile, Namilyango College’s hard-fought lead over St. Joseph’s SSS Naggalama has set the stage for a gripping encounter. Both teams will be looking to outsmart each other in what promises to be a strategic battle on the field.

In the Busoga Chapter, the battle for supremacy continues as Jinja College faces off against Jinja Secondary School. Both teams have proven their capabilities by eliminating other notable schools, with Jinja College ousting pioneers Busoga College Mwiiri and Jinja Secondary School triumphing over Kiira College Butiki. This regional showdown is set to be a highlight of the weekend, with local pride and a spot in the final 8 on the line.

Of the eight pioneer schools that started the tournament, only three remain: Jinja College, Namilyango College, and Mengo Senior School. These schools will be aiming to uphold their legacy and secure their place in the final 8. Jinja College’s journey has been marked by tactical brilliance, Namilyango College has showcased remarkable resilience, and Mengo Senior School has demonstrated consistent performance. As the competition intensifies, the remaining pioneers will need to draw on their rich histories and past experiences to navigate the challenges ahead.

As the Round of 16 unfolds, fans can expect a weekend filled with high-intensity matches, strategic plays, and remarkable talent. The stakes are higher than ever, with each team not only aiming for victory in the current round but also eyeing the ultimate prize at the national level in Njeru. The FUFA Technical Center will host the final 8 later this month, and every school is eager to secure their spot and continue their quest for glory.

FUFA TV will be at the forefront this weekend, bringing live coverage of 4 matches to fans across the nation. With expert commentary, in-depth analysis, and exclusive interviews, FUFA TV ensures that fans don’t miss a moment of the action. The live broadcasts provide an opportunity for fans to engage with the competition, cheer for their favorite teams, and witness the unfolding drama and excitement, plus exposing raw talents to the external world.

As the FUFA TV Cup progresses into the Round of 16, the competition’s intensity and excitement continue to rise. With each match carrying significant weight, teams are prepared to give their all on the field. Whether it’s the tactical battles, the high-scoring thrillers, or the regional showdowns, fans are in for a treat as the journey to the national level in Njeru continues.

The FUFA TV Cup Round of 32 was an intense, thrilling phase, full of dramatic moments and emotional highs and lows. Traditional schools across Uganda competed fiercely, resulting in an exhilarating display of football talent. This round was marked by high stakes, as 16 teams moved forward, while 16 others saw their dreams come to an end. With a total of 68 goals scored across two legs—30 in the first leg and 38 in the second leg—the round showcased the best of young Ugandan football.

In one of the most nail-biting encounters, Gombe SSS advanced on away goals rule after a 1-1 draw at St Balikuddembe. The match was tense, with Gombe SSS benefiting from an unfortunate own goal caused by a miscommunication between St Balikuddembe’s goalkeeper and a defender. The return leg ended goalless, ensuring Gombe’s progression.

St Balikuddembe Mitala Maria’s Head Teacher, Mrs. Anne Najjuka Bukenya, expressed her pride in the team’s efforts. She praised the FUFA Tv Cup for rekindling the love of football within the school, even as they bowed out of the competition.

‘We are bowing out sad but happy at the same time. We are hopeful that next time we will do better. We are happy about the exposure.’ She stated.

Old Kampala SSS put up a valiant fight but ultimately lost 1-2 at home to Kibuli SS. The return leg saw both teams locked in a goalless draw, with Kibuli SS advancing. Despite the loss, the experience gained was invaluable for Old Kampala SSS, as they look to build on this performance in future competitions.

Jinja College demonstrated defensive solidity by advancing without conceding a single goal. They secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg and a 1-0 win in the second leg against Busoga College Mwiri. This impressive defensive record highlights Jinja College’s disciplined approach and strategic gameplay.

Kusiima Pius of St Joseph’s SSS Naggalama shone brightly with another hat-trick in the return leg, bringing his total to seven goals (two hat-tricks and one additional goal). Despite his stellar performance, St Joseph’s was eliminated on away goals rule. Pioneers Namilyango College won the first leg 2-1 at home but lost 3-2 away, which was enough to see them through.

Last year’s finalists, Pioneer Kiira College Butiki, were ousted after a 1-0 away loss and a 2-2 draw at home against Jinja SSS. This result was a significant upset, as Kiira College Butiki had high hopes of echoing last year’s success.

In the fiercely contested Kampala Derby, Mengo SS triumphed with a dramatic late winner in the 90+2 minute, edging out Makerere College. The match was a test of endurance and resilience, with Mengo SS showing remarkable character and fighting spirit to secure their place in the Round of 16.

Lango College emerged victorious in a closely contested battle against Comboni College, with a narrow 2-1 aggregate advantage. This win demonstrated Lango College’s tactical acumen and determination to progress in the tournament.

St Charles Lwanga Koboko advanced on away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw with Mvara SSS. This hard-fought result highlighted the competitive nature of the FUFA TV Cup, with both teams showcasing their determination and skill.

As we head into the Round of 16, the excitement continues to build. Schools are gearing up for even fiercer competition, with a place in the final 8 at stake. The national-level matches will be held at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, promising more thrilling action and unforgettable moments. The journey through the FUFA TV Cup is far from over, and the best is yet to come.