St Noa defy Kawempe in a nerve-shredding final to retain USSSA Elite crown

Reigning national and FEASSA champions St. Noa Girls Secondary School-Zana underlined their supremacy in schools’ football by successfully defending the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Elite Games girls’ trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over arch-rivals Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.

The four-day championship, staged at Janan Secondary School in Bombo from Thursday, 26 February to Sunday, 1 March, culminated in a gripping finale witnessed by a capacity crowd.

After a fiercely contested encounter ended goalless in regulation time, St Noa held their nerve to triumph 5–4 in the shootout.

The decisive moment arrived when Belindah Nabawanuka missed Kawempe’s spot-kick, tilting the balance in favour of the defending champions.

Although Agnes Nabukenya, Vanessa Namazzi, Tracy Nabalanzi and Dorcus Kisakye converted their penalties for Kawempe, it was not enough.

St Noa were flawless from 12 yards. Angel Dominic, Martha Babirye, Patricia Nayiga, Rebecca Nyakake and Evelyn Katusiime all converted with composure, sealing a second successive title and their third overall crown in the history of the Elite Games.

The triumph further consolidates St Noa’s dominance on the schools’ football scene, adding to their growing silverware collection as reigning national and FEASSA champions.

Their route to the final was equally authoritative. In the semi-finals, St Noa dispatched Sheema Girls 2–0, with Marion Serenge and Evelyne Katusiime on target in a controlled and disciplined performance.

Kawempe Muslim, meanwhile, booked their place in the decider after a commanding display against Uganda Martyrs.

Agnes Nabukenya delivered a masterclass, netting four goals, while Cynthia Kirenga added another to complete the semi-final rout.

Nabukenya’s remarkable scoring streak saw her finish as the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals — a standout individual achievement despite her side’s narrow defeat in the final.

Individual honours, however, largely reflected St Noa’s dominance. Patricia Nayiga was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Lillian Nakirya claimed the best goalkeeper accolade after a series of assured performances between the posts.

As the curtain fell in Bombo, St Noa once again stood tall — champions by resilience, precision and pedigree — reaffirming their place at the summit of schools’ girls’ football.