The Qualifier Round of the 2025 FUFA Tv Cup delivered a thrilling mix of tactical battles, emotional triumphs and unforgettable football moments as schools across the country fought for a coveted spot in the Round of 32. In total, the Qualifier Round produced a staggering 69 goals, 27 in the first leg and 42 in the second leg.
Among the 64 schools that featured in the qualifier round, only three managed to keep clean sheets over both legs. These are Kibuli SS, Bukoyo SS and Duhaga SS. Kibuli SS showcased dominance and maturity winning 2-0 away at Old Kampala SSS before sealing the tie with a commanding 3-0 victory at home. Duhaga SS also had a flawless defensive performance, edging St Edward’s Bukuumi 1-0 on the road before completing the job with a 2-0 win at home. Bukoyo SS also proved clinical, securing their ticket with a 1-0 win away at Bukooli College before confirming their spot with a 2-0 triumph in front of their home fans.
In one of the most dramatic ties of the round, St Mary’s College Kisubi survived a scare. Inaugural champions had to dig deep to eliminate Ndejje SS. After a 3-1 win in Kisubi, they traveled to Ndejje only to fall behind 2-0 at halftime and 3-0 early in the second half trailing 4-3 on aggregate. A late surge salvaged a 4-2 loss, making it 5-5 on aggregate. In the following spot kicks shootout, it was St Mary’s who held their nerve to progress with a 4-2 converted shots.
Iganga High School wrote a story of resilience. After a 2-0 first-leg loss to Mbale SS, they responded with an identical scoreline in the return leg. But in the end, it was Mbale SS who edged the dramatic shootout 8-7 to advance.
In northern Uganda, St Joseph’s College Layibi bounced back from a 1-0 away defeat to St Aloysius College Nyapea with a 2-1 win at home, sending the tie into penalties where Layibi triumphed 4-1 in front of their blissful crowd.
Several teams failed to capitalize on home support in the return leg. St Joseph’s SSS Naggalama scored early to cancel Mehta SS’s first-leg lead, but a second-half goal by Mehta ensured their 2-1 aggregate progress. Bishop’s SS Mukono produced a 2-2 home draw but it wasn’t enough to overturn their 3-1 first-leg defeat to Namilyango College. Meanwhile, King’s College Budo could not break down St Balikuddembe SS’s defense at home after a 2-1 first-leg loss, bowing out following a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Kiira College Butiki and Busoga College Mwiri, both tournament pioneers, clashed in an electric second-leg showdown. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Butiki rose to the occasion with a strong 3-1 win to progress with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Ngora High School put on a show at home with a 5-0 thrashing of Sebei College Tegeres, who had held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Pending Battles and Decisions
Manjasi High School and St Peter’s College Tororo will square off in their decisive second-leg fixture on Wednesday, 23rd July. Meanwhile, a petition case between Nyakasura School and St Leo’s College Kyegobe awaits resolution by the organizing committee to determine who secures the last spot in the next round.
With most ties concluded and 30 schools confirmed, attention now shifts to the Round of 32, with first-leg matches scheduled for the weekend of 26th and 27th July 2025.
Teams qualified for the Round of 32
The schools include Nabumali High School, Nganwa High School Kabwohe, Gombe SS, Jinja SSS, Lango College, Mengo SS, St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko, Mpanga SSS, Jinja College, Kako SSS, Bukooyo SS, Duhaga SS, Gulu High School, Kibuli SS, Kiira College Butiki, Mbale SS, Mehta SS, Namilyango College, Ngora High School, Nyakasura School/St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, Sir Tito Winyi SSS, St. Joseph’s College Layibi, St. Balikudembe SS Mitala Maria, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, the winner – St. Peter’s College Tororo/Manjasi High School, Aduku SS, Dr. Obote College Boroboro, Kololo SSS, Muntuyera High School, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa and St. Joseph’s College Ombaci.
Round of 32 fixtures
