Magdalene Wins 1st USSSA Lango Zone Championship, Concedes 1st Goal in the Tournament

In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats and feet, St. Mary Magdalene Girls' Secondary School clinched their first USSSA Lango Zone championship title on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Ambalal Primary School Playground. The match against the defending champions, Acaba Secondary School, ended in a dramatic one-all draw, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout that sealed St. Mary Magdalene's victory.

The match kicked off with both teams showcasing their skills, but it was Acaba SS's Dinah Akullu who broke the deadlock with a stunning goal just 10 minutes in the first half. However, the excitement was short-lived as Mary Magdalene Alaro responded just 10 minutes later, leveling the score and keeping the tension alive. Her impressive strike not only equalized the matters but also marked her 17th goal of the tournament, making her the top scorer.

St. Mary Magdalene SS players celebrate their equalizer.

As the second half unfolded, both teams pushed hard for a winning goal, but despite several close calls, neither could find the back of the net. The match concluded with a 1-1 tie, leading to the heart-stopping penalty shootout that would determine the champion.

Acaba SS players celebrate their opening goal.

Acaba SS was the first to step up to the spot, but Marita Awor's attempt hit the crossbar, sending shockwaves through the crowd. St. Mary Magdalene's Loy Acen seized the opportunity to put her team ahead with a confident finish. The pressure mounted for Acaba as only Prisca Achola managed to convert her penalty, while the rest of their attempts were thwarted by St. Mary Magdalene's goalkeeper, Miriam Acen, who made two crucial saves.

On the other side, St. Mary Magdalene displayed remarkable composure under pressure. While Patricia Acayo's penalty was saved, Sumaya Akanya, Flavia Anyinge, and Mary Magdalene Alaro all converted their kicks, securing a 3-1 victory in the shootout.

With this win, St. Mary Magdalene Girls' Secondary School not only celebrated their first championship at the Zonal level but also earned a spot in the upcoming USSSA National meet in Bukedea District, alongside Acaba Secondary School. Throughout the tournament, St. Mary Magdalene exhibited remarkable defensive prowess, conceding only one goal, which happened to be against Acaba in the finals.

As the celebrations commenced, fans and players alike reveled in the historic moment, marking a new chapter for St. Mary Magdalene's football legacy. The team's spirit, determination, and skill have undoubtedly set the stage for a promising future in Northern Ugandan girls' football, particularly Lango Sub-Region.