BREAKING: Senegal Edge Uganda’s Kitende on Penalties to Win Maiden CAF Schools Championship Title

Senegal defeated Uganda’s St Mary’s Kitende in a penalty shootout to win their first-ever CAF Schools Football Championship title.

The final, played at Ngoni Stadium on Friday afternoon in Zimbabwe, ended goalless in normal time before Senegal triumphed 5-4 in the shootout.

Edema Bashir, Frank Musisi, Shafic Kitimbo, and Akram Ssenyonga converted their penalties for Uganda, while Livingstone Kuluta missed his effort.

Senegal, however, converted all five of their spot-kicks to seal the title.

Uganda started brightly, showing attacking intent, but lacked the final penetrative pass to break down Senegal’s defence.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the game went into halftime goalless.

Early in the second half, Shakur Ngobi missed a golden opportunity to give Uganda the lead, firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Moments later, goalkeeper Imran Ssebale made a crucial save at the near post to keep the scores level.

In the shootout, Senegal took the first penalty, with Fall sending goalkeeper Hamidu Kasumba the wrong way to give his side the lead. Edema Bashir responded with a well-taken penalty to level matters.

Senegal captain Bara Gueye restored his side’s advantage with a composed finish, before Shafic Kitimbo calmly converted to make it 2-2.

Pierre then scored Senegal’s third penalty despite Kasumba guessing correctly, while Frank Musisi kept Uganda in contention with a confident strike to level at 3-3.

Sy converted Senegal’s fourth penalty to make it 4-3, but Akram Ssenyonga showed composure to level once again for Uganda.

Camara then scored Senegal’s fifth penalty with a powerful effort that Kasumba could not keep out.

With the pressure on, Livingstone Kulata saw his penalty saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper, handing Senegal a 5-4 victory and the championship title.

Senegal walk away with the trophy, gold medals, and a prize of USD 300,000, while Uganda, as runners-up, receive silver medals and USD 200,000.

In the boys’ category, Benin defeated Morocco to secure third place.

Meanwhile, in the girls’ competition, Ghana won the final against Burkina Faso to claim the title, while Zambia overcame Morocco to finish third.