We are heading into the second half of the Kira8 Tournament, with action continuing today and tomorrow at the Den. The teams that made it to the semifinals are now set to battle it out, all racing toward the top as the tournament reaches its decisive stage.

Qualification to the semifinals required the top two teams from each category. These teams now face each other for a place in the final.

In the men’s Category A, the Namuwongo Blazers sit at the summit with a perfect record of three wins from three games. They are not only the most winning team so far, but also the most dominant side in the competition. Joining them in the semifinals from the same group are the JT Jaguars, who finished with two wins and one loss — their only defeat coming against the Blazers.

In Category B, Solid Skills have lived up to their name, leading the group with two wins and one loss. However, the second semifinal spot will be decided this morning when UCU Canons face Victoria University in their third game. With UCU Canons, Victoria University, and UPDF all tied on one win, the winner of this matchup will secure second place in the group.

On the women’s side, JKL Dolphins have been flawless, topping the standings with three wins from three games. Victoria Crocs follow in second place with two wins and one loss, while JT Lady Jaguars and UPDF L.T. Hawks also book their places in the semifinals.

The games tip off at 10:00am, with Victoria Crocs taking on UCU Canons in a crucial matchup to determine second position in Group B.

Challenger Cup

For teams that did not make it to the semifinals, there is still a chance to compete for silverware in the Challenger Cup. This competition will feature the last two teams in each group. The winners from each group will then face off in the final to crown the Challenger Cup champions, with a cash prize of over UGX 800,000 at stake.

In the men’s Category A, the Challenger Cup matchup will see Barkley Reloaded take on the Black Panthers. In Category B, the teams involved will be confirmed after the first game of the day.

In the ladies’ category, UCU Lady Canons will face off against the Junior Lady Jaguars. In Group B, the Challenger Cup will be decided through a round-robin format after Magic Storm Era failed to show up, meaning Makerere Sparks have already secured a place in the Challenger Cup final.

Semifinal Matchups

In the men’s semifinals, the JT Jaguars, who finished second in Group A, will take on Solid Skills, the top team from Group B. Meanwhile, the Namuwongo Blazers will face the second-placed team from Group B, which will be determined this morning.

In the women’s semifinals, JKL Dolphins will go head-to-head with UPDF L.T. Hawks, while a tough and highly anticipated clash will see the JT Lady Jaguars take on the Victoria She Crocs.