The Women’s Futsal Super League served up a spectacular display of emerging talent over the weekend, with the spotlight firmly fixed on Desire Nankinga, a left-footed sensation whose instant impact propelled Kisenyi to a 4-2 comeback victory over Kabowa Dream Team at Old Kampala Futsal Arena.
Nankinga, who also features for Makerere University Business School in the full-sided version of the game, emerged from the bench to score a brace, helping Kisenyi’s to their first win of the season.
Kisenyi, who had been confident heading into the fixture, were shock3d to be chasing the game after first half goals from Catherine Nakabira and Sharon Kakai put Kabowa 2-0 up. Though Leila Nassuuna pulled one back with a long range effort, the score stood 2-1 at the break, much to the frustration of Kisenyi coach Brian Nsereko.
The turning point came with the introduction of Nankinga, who revealed she had to convince her coach to put her into the fray.
“We were surprised to be chasing the game,” Nankinga told the Daily Monitor. “But during the break we said we couldn’t lose to players younger than us and we stepped up for the win.”
The youngster levelled matters immediately after the restart before Nassuuna gave Kisenyi the lead for the first time. As Kabowa intensified their attack, Nankinga stepped up again, netting the goal that secured maximum points for Kisenyi.
Falcons edge Grameen
In the day’s opening game, Falcons pipped Lubaga Grameen 5-4 in a pulsating encounter decided late by Falcons’ captain, Elizabeth Nakigozi.
Nakigozi opened the scoring early, but after Joanita Nassali equalised for Grameen, Falcons found their rhythm, taking a comfortable 4-1 lead into the break with goals from Edith Najjuma, Bridget Lukwago and another from Nakigozi.
However, Grameen’s Moreen Kizza launched a sensational second-half fightback, scoring a hat-trick to level the score and send panic through the Falcons’ camp. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Nakigozi struck again to seal the 5-4 win.
Meanwhile, Nansana Aska coach Isaac Ogogo focused on the learning curve after his side drew 2-2 with Edgars, noting that while ball possession was good, his players struggled with the defensive aspects and futsal rules.
Mengo holds on, Lamansia win goal fest
In the Men’s Futsal Super League, defending champions Mengo City secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over a determined QC Mbarara side.
Mengo had a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time, thanks to goals from Billy Nkata, Anthony Male and John Musaasizi. Despite a spirited fightback from QC Mbarara, who scored twice in the second half through Shafiq Mulangira and Tamale Franklin, Mengo held on for their second consecutive win.
“The boys showed character of champions. Everyone plays their best game against us, but we want to continue performing well and hopefully defend our title,” said Mengo City head coach Abdullahi Abdifatah.
Elsewhere, debutants Lamansia and Entebbe Cheetahs played out a staggering 10-8 goal-fest. Lamansia took a dominant 5-1 lead into the break, but Cheetahs mounted a ferocious challenge. Lamansia claimed the points, with Johnathan Katumba, a former Masaza Cup player with Kabula, highlighting the opportunity futsal presents to attract attention from scouts.
Futsal Super League
Results
Women’s league
Edgars 2-2 Nansana Aska
Falcons 5-4 Lubaga Grameen
Kisenyi 4-2 Kabowa Dream Team
Men’s league
Lamansia 10-8 E’bb Cheetahs
Mengo City 3-2 QC Mbarara
Old Kampala 3-0 UG Kop (UG Kop missed)