USSSA Ball Games 2026: Boni Ease Work for Rines to Lift Historic Girls’ Football Title
Rines SS Clinch Historic Maiden USSSA U20 Girls’ Football Crown
By Kayiira Jackson
Rines Secondary School etched their name into Uganda’s school football history after defeating Boni Consilii Secondary School 3-0 to win their first-ever Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) U20 Girls’ Football Championship.
The final, played on Friday at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso, saw Rines produce a commanding display to complete a remarkable campaign and finally lift the national trophy after falling short in the 2024 final.
The breakthrough came just before the halftime whistle when Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi confidently converted from the penalty spot after Justine Ayerango had been brought down inside the area.
Rines returned from the break with renewed purpose and doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half. Zuena Nandegho delivered a precise low cross that was expertly finished by Trina Nakawuki to leave Boni with a mountain to climb.
The champions sealed the victory six minutes later when tournament star Justine Ayerango capitalized on a costly goalkeeping error to tap home Rines’ third goal, effectively ending the contest.
The triumph marks a significant milestone for Rines Secondary School, who became first-time national champions after years of steady progress. Having finished runners-up to Kawempe Muslim SS in 2024, the Eastern Region side returned stronger and completed their redemption in emphatic fashion.
Their journey to the final was built on resilience. In the semi-finals, Rines battled Amus College School to a goalless draw before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout. Amus failed to convert any of their three spot kicks, while Rines were flawless to book their place in a second final in three years.
Boni Consilii also enjoyed an impressive run to the final after eliminating defending champions St. Noa Girls School in a dramatic semi-final. After recovering from a first-half deficit, the Western Region champions forced penalties and eventually prevailed 3-2 to reach their maiden national final.
Although they fell short in the championship match, Boni’s historic run secured them a place at the forthcoming FEASSA Games.
Earlier in the tournament, St. Noa Girls School claimed third place with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Amus College School. Faith Akoi had given Amus an early lead with a brilliant strike, but Grace Kawino restored parity before substitute Cissy Wanyenze netted the winner in the closing stages.
Individual honours also went Rines’ way as influential forward Justine Ayerango was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while teammate Bridget Nansamba walked away with the Best Goalkeeper award after an outstanding campaign.
Rines Secondary School, Boni Consilii, St. Noa Girls School and Amus College School will now shift their focus to the FEASSA Games scheduled for August in Tanzania, where they will represent Uganda on the regional stage.