By Baptist Opua
Lira, Uganda – The USSSA Lira City football tournament concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Ambalal Primary School, with Mentor SS and St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS emerging as the champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories, respectively.
Defending champions Mentor SS put on a dominant display, defeating Dr. Obote College (DOC) 3-0 in the boys’ final.
The highly anticipated match drew a large crowd, including students, parents, security officials, and local leaders.
Mentor SS took the lead in the 20th minute through a brilliant free kick by Epila Emmanuel, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Despite DOC’s efforts to equalize, they struggled to break through Mentor’s solid defense. In the second half, Oyuru Gaberal Ogwang extended Mentor’s lead in the 71st minute before Odongo Marcus sealed the victory with a goal in the 76th minute.
The win reaffirms Mentor SS’s dominance in Lira City football, earning them a place in the upcoming Lango Zonal USSSA tournament, where they will compete against top teams from the region.
The girls’ final was a one-sided affair as St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS humiliated Top Star SS with an 8-0 thrashing.
St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls Secondary School made history by clinching the USSSA Lira City title without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament.
The team’s offensive firepower was unmatched, as they scored an astonishing 68 goals in just seven matches, setting a record that will be remembered for generations.
Under the guidance of coach Geoffrey Okwii, renowned for his previous success with Lango Queens, the team showcased remarkable skill and determination.
Qualified Schools – Boys’ Category:
1. Mentor SS (Defending champions)
2. Dr. Obote College (Hosts)
3. Comboni College
4. King James Comprehensive SS
5. Light Vocational SS
Qualified Schools – Girls’ Category:
1. Acaba SS (Defending champions)
2. St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS (Hosts)
3. St. Katherine Girls SS
4. King James Comprehensive SS
5. Top Star SS
Individual Awards and Recognitions – Boys’ Category:
1. Top Scorer: Okuc Alexis (Light Vocational SS) – 8 goals
2. Best Goalkeeper: Ayiko Samuel (Mentor SS)
3. Most Valuable Player (MVP): Atepo Ali (Lira Town College)
4. Most Inspirational Coach: Moto Ronald Toby (Tasha SS)
5. Best Coach (Boys): Ebuk Daniel (Dr. Obote College)
Individual Awards and Recognitions – Girls’ Category:
1. Top Scorer (Golden Boot): Mary Magdalene Alaro (St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS) – 26 goals
2. Best Goalkeeper (Golden Glove): Mary Rose (St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS)
3. Best Coach (Girls): Geoffrey Okwii (St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS)
All eyes will be on Mentor SS and St. Mary’s Magdalene Girls SS, the reigning city champions, as they battle for a place in the national championship as the Lango Zonal USSSA tournament approaches.
