By Masejele Sulaiman
MANAFWA — Nkoma Secondary School have secured a place in the final of the Bugisu Zone Secondary Schools Sports Association national qualifiers after edging Mbale Progressive Academy in a tense semifinal clash.
The match ended goalless in normal time, with both sides displaying solid defensive discipline and failing to break the deadlock. Nkoma, however, held their nerve in the penalty shootout to eliminate their rivals.
The result extends Nkoma’s dominance over Mbale Progressive this season, having previously beaten them on penalties in the Mbale City USSSA Championship following another 0-0 draw.
Goalkeeper Jamuliro Arafat emerged as the standout performer, saving two penalties in the shootout to guide his team into the final. His composure and consistency have proved vital in Nkoma’s campaign.
Arafat’s rise has been attributed to the mentorship of former Mbale Heroes goalkeeper Bashir Ibrahim, who has played a key role in shaping him into a reliable shot-stopper.
Nkoma’s run to the final has been impressive. They defeated Bushika Secondary School 2-0 in the Round of 16 before eliminating defending champions Bugisu High School 3-0 in the quarterfinals.
They will now face St Joseph Buyaga Secondary School from Bulambuli District in the final. Buyaga booked their spot after defeating Mbale High School 1-0 in the other semifinal. Mbale High School will take on Mbale Progressive Academy in the third-place playoff.
In the girls’ competition, Nkoma Secondary School were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage by Bubiita Secondary School. Nkoma missed a crucial penalty in normal time, with the match ending 0-0 before Bubiita won 5-3 in the shootout.
The result was a setback for Nkoma’s girls’ team, which had shown promise in recent competitions, finishing sixth last year and placing second in the UMEA Solidarity Games.
As the tournament heads into the final stage, attention now turns to Nkoma Secondary School as they prepare to face St Joseph Buyaga in the decisive clash.
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