Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Boni Consilii's Peace Muduwa (red) in action against Alliance on Wednesday
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Morogoro, Tanzania
Boni Consilii Girls Vocational Kyabirikwa have made history by reaching the semifinals of the FEASSA Games for the first time, just on their second appearance at the regional schools' football competition.
The Isingiro District and USSSA Ankole Zone girls' football champions defied the odds to reach the last four on Wednesday evening after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts Alliance SS in a decisive Group B match.
Having started poorly with a 1-0 loss to compatriots Amus College in their opening fixture last Friday, Brenda Nasozzi's girls regrouped and bounced back with a 3-0 victory over Tanzania's Kilombero SS, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Prayerful Boni Consilii has stormed the FEASSA games girls football semifinals only on their second appearance
They were then tasked with securing a positive result against Kenya champions St Joseph's Girls Kitale. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but the point proved crucial as the Kenyans had completed their group matches on six points, leaving Boni Consilii with one final opportunity to secure qualification.
It became a do-or-die encounter against Alliance on Wednesday, but Boni Consilii held their nerve and produced the result they needed.
It took only 17 minutes for reliable midfielder and set-piece specialist Loyce Komugisha to put Boni Consilii ahead. She curled the ball into the roof of the net from a free kick in her favourite position after dangerous attacker Peace Muduwa had been brought down on the right edge of the Alliance penalty area.
With a 1-0 lead, Boni Consilii's defence, marshalled by Mackline Nuwandinda, Violet Nyakisiki and Imurinde Ashanti, held firm to prevent Alliance from finding an equaliser until the final whistle.
Boni Consilii's Peace Muduwa (red) in action against Alliance on Wednesday
The victory sparked celebrations in Morogoro and back home in Uganda, including at the school, where Headmistress Rev. Sr. Gladys Kachope celebrated the achievement.
"Relieved. God's hand is at work. Congratulations to our girls. We keep on our knees," Sr. Kachope posted on the school's social media platform.
The victory took Boni Consilii to seven points and second place in Group B, behind fellow Ugandan side Amus College, while eliminating Kenya's St Joseph's Girls Kitale.
Prayerful Boni Consilii has stormed the FEASSA games girls football semifinals only on their second appearance
According to the semifinal fixtures, Boni Consilii will face Uganda champions and high-flying Rines SS on Friday, while Amus College will take on Rwanda's PSB Huye.
Boni Consilii made their FEASSA debut last year after winning bronze at the national level but failed to progress beyond the group stage. However, their campaign included a landmark 2-1 victory over Kenya champions Butere Girls, a result that eliminated the Kenyan champions from the competition.
Their semifinal appearance this year marks a significant improvement and gives the Isingiro-based side an opportunity to compete for a place in the FEASSA final on only their second appearance.
