By 
In a thrilling finale, St. Noa Girls Secondary School-Zana emerged victorious in the USSSA Elite Games girls’ football championship, dethroning reigning champions Kawempe Muslim SS with a commanding 3-0 victory.
The high-stakes final, played on Saturday morning at St Joseph’s of Nazareth Mpigi, marked the conclusion of the 6th edition of the prestigious tournament.
Under the astute leadership of coach Jimmy Kintu, St Noa exhibited remarkable skill, tactical superiority, and dominance throughout the match.
Right from the outset, they set the tempo, determined to claim the title from their formidable rivals.
Defender Nancy Mandera opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, netting a stunning long-range free kick in the 10th minute.
The goal not only gave St Noa an early advantage but also brought back memories of a similar strike she had scored against Kawempe Muslim in the FUFA Elite League the previous year.
Building on their lead, Brenda Nassaka capitalized on a defensive lapse by Kawempe to extend the advantage.
A well-executed press forced an error from the defending champions, allowing Nassaka to pounce and slot the ball home after a failed clearance from a corner kick. By halftime, St Noa were in a commanding 2-0 position.
The second half saw St Noa maintain their control and composure.
Midway through the half, Imelda Kasemire put the game beyond doubt with a well-crafted goal, stemming from a brilliant midfield maneuver.
This final strike sealed the 3-0 triumph, ensuring St Noa’s coronation as the new champions of the USSSA Elite Games.
While she did not find the back of the net in the final, Sylvia Kabene’s impact on the tournament was undeniable.
The prolific St Noa forward finished as the competition’s top scorer, amassing an impressive tally of 12 goals.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Uganda Martyrs High School claimed third place after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Boni Concilli in the classification fixture.
St Noa’s emphatic victory over Kawempe Muslim signals a new era in girls’ football, proving their mettle as a dominant force in the game.
Their tactical brilliance, clinical finishing, and solid defense ensured they walked away as well-deserved champions of the 6th edition of the USSSA Elite Games.
