Uganda will face Senegal in the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026 final on Friday after edging Benin in a dramatic penalty shootout at Harare, Zimbabwe, on Thursday. Senegal booked their spot with a commanding 4-0 victory over Morocco in the other semifinal, setting up an all-West-East African showdown.
Represented by St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende, Uganda dominated possession early, creating multiple chances that were repeatedly denied by Benin’s resilient goalkeeper. Despite early pressure and a string of promising attacks, the first half ended goalless, leaving fans on edge.
Head coach Hassan Zzungu praised his side’s effort but highlighted the need for clinical finishing. “We’re happy to reach the final, but we must improve our finishing. We created many chances today and failed to convert them, which could be costly against stronger opponents,” he said.
Owen Mukisa, Uganda’s top scorer with four goals in the tournament, and Nabiru Kajumba led the attack, while Imran Ssebbale marshalled the defense with key contributions from Eze Kombi, Haruna Kisakye, Shafic Kitimbo, and Elisa Mukasa.
Tactical substitutions, including the introduction of Vincent Kizza Mawanda, played a pivotal role in maintaining pressure and preparing the side for the decisive penalties. With nerves tested, Uganda held their composure to secure the shootout win, setting the stage for a thrilling clash against a dominant Senegalese side in Friday’s final.
