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 Mungu Feni 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, Wednesday August 28 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
