Kitende sneak into quarters alongside Masaka, Kibuli SS

11-goal hero Wanji scored Kitende’s winning penalty against Citizens. PHOTO BY DENIS BBOSA

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Soccer. Last year’s losing finalists Masaka SS showed their strength and determination to go all the way by thrashing Paliisa-based side Brilliant SS 5-1 in a one sided knockout game.

SOROTI. Eight-time Copa Coca-cola Schools Soccer Tournament kings St Mary’s Kitende finally met their equals in Citizens SS yesterday.
They had to rely on spot kicks to progress to the last eight after a closely contested 80 minutes.
The Mbarara side matched the defending champions pound for pound in normal time and had four chances to edge past Kitende only for their latter’s goalkeeper Eric Kibowa to stand tall.
Kibowa was again the hero for Kitende saving three spot kicks as Pius Wanji, Ashraf Bamuturaki and Alex Komakech netted theirs from 12 yards.
Last year’s losing finalists Masaka SS put up a commanding show in the Copa tourney by thrashing Paliisa side Brilliant SS 5-1 at the last 16 stage.

Having lost to Kitende 4-0 during the Hoima edition, Masaka coach Simon Peter Mugerwa told Daily Monitor that his side is back to rectify the errors.
“We came to Soroti to win 10 games,” said a cheerful Mugerwa.
“We have won seven so far and are left with three. We do not care who we face next in the quarters.” Cyrus Mukalazi netted a brace while skipper Joseph Janjali, Joseph ‘Falcao’ Ogwang and last season’s MVP Kipper Luwalo each scored for the Masaka side.

Favourites Standard High Zana of Wakiso outwitted Mukono’s Bishop Senior SS 1-0 to progress to the last eight stage scheduled for Thursday.
It was a tight affair between Blessed Sacrament Kimanya and Jinja SS, with the former winning 4-3 in post-match penalties after the 80 minutes of play ended in a barren draw.
There were also no goals in the epic match between St Juliana and Kiboga Progressive but the Wakiso-based side relied on experience to prevail 3-1 after spot kicks.

Record champions Kibuli SS maintained their rich vein of form with a 2-0 win over Bulo Parents SS of Butambala. Mukono side Dynamic SS, under KCCA right-back Saka Mpiima, ejected Lira’s Bright Light 4-3 on spot kicks to continue with their fairytale run in the tourney.
In the other knockout rubber, Buddo SS made light work of hapless Nakaseke International SS, who had luckily qualified to the knockout stage by winning 2-0.
The quarterfinal draws will be conducted this morning whereas the matches will be played tomorrow at the Sports grounds in Soroti town.