Airtel Rising Stars: Kampala claim fourth title

Fort portal. Kampala region has known nothing but Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) superiority in the U17 talent search seven-year existence.

Abubakari Seguya, on the other hand, the Kampala Juniors Team (KJT) coach, who handled the side for the first time on Sunday as they routed Buganda 5-4 on penalties, experienced the feeling. Kampala chased the game from behind at the Buhinga stadium in Fort Portal town following a 24th minute free kick from Leonard Katongole. It was not until the 20th minute of the second half that defender Emmanuel Yiga equalized from a well-taken corner to send the game into penalties.
This was the fourth time that Kampala have won the tournament with the other victories coming in 2011, 2012, 2013. Previously, Kitara won twice the following years with Northern being the other winners in 2016.

Seguya was satisfied that this year’s team could earn its part of the ARS tradition.
“When we fell behind, we changed tactics by playing long balls which worked so well as they lost shape in their defence,” he said.

But his opposite, William Kyeswa was unhappy with the officiating which he says denied them open scoring chances.
The final was a delayed affair with the penalties starting at 6:27 p.m. following the late arrival of the King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru.

It was a day for penalties as Kitara also beat Western region 4-2 after a goalless draw in normal time to be crowned champions for the first time. Western had previously won in 2012 and 2013 but their coach Salim Blanden blamed the loss on tiredness.
“I think my players gave their all but they were tired because of the intense activity,” Blanden said.

ARS national finals

BOYS
Kampala 1-1 Buganda (Pens 5-4)

Girls
Western 0-0 Kitara (Pens 2-4)

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