Kitende’s Kasumba the Hero as Uganda Beat Benin on Penalties to Reach CAF Schools Championship Final

Uganda’s representatives, St Mary’s Kitende, edged past Benin in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the final of the 2026 CAF Schools Football Championship.

After a goalless draw in normal time, Kitende triumphed 4-3 in the shootout to book their place in the final.

Edema Bashir, Kombi Eze, Frank Musisi, and Akram Ssenyonga converted their penalties for the Ugandan side, while Mukasa Elisa missed his effort.

For Benin, two penalties were saved by goalkeeper Hamidu Kasumba, while they successfully converted three.

In normal time, Benin enjoyed more possession, but Kitende created the clearer scoring opportunities. Kajumba Nabir squandered three chances, while Kironde Musa and Elisa Mukasa also failed to find the target.

Kitende made a tactical change late on, introducing goalkeeper Hamidu Kasumba in place of Imran Ssebale ahead of the penalty shootout, a decision that proved decisive.

Benin converted their opening penalty to take an early lead, but Edema Bashir responded with a well-taken effort to level matters. Kasumba then made an immediate impact, saving Benin’s second penalty.

Kombi Eze gave Kitende the advantage with their second spot-kick, despite the goalkeeper getting a touch.

Benin converted their third penalty to level at 2-2, before Frank Musisi calmly restored Uganda’s lead.

Gandonou equalised for Benin with a composed finish, as Kasumba guessed the right direction but could not keep it out.

Mukasa Elisa then struck the woodwork with Kitende’s fourth penalty, leaving the score tied at 3-3 after four kicks each.

Kasumba once again proved decisive, saving Benin’s fifth penalty with his legs to hand Kitende a crucial advantage.

Akram Ssenyonga then stepped up and calmly slotted home the winning penalty into the bottom corner, sealing a 4-3 victory.

Kitende will now face the winner between Morocco and Senegal in the final, scheduled for Friday, 10 April 2026.