2024-2025 Pepsi University Football League (UFL):
Group A:
- Nkumba University 2-1 Busitema University
Group E:
- International University of East Africa (IUEA) 0-1 Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Nkozi
- University of Kisubi 2-2 Muni University
Group D:
- Kampala University 3-2 Gulu University
Group C:
- St Lawrence University 3-1 YMCA
Group F:
- Muteesa 1 Royal University 1-0 Makerere University Business School (MUBS)
University Football League defending champions Nkumba University recovered from a goal down to overcome visiting Busitema University 2-1 in group A at Nkumba over a dry ground on Tuesday, 18th February 2025.
Skipper Kennedy Ssewankambo (penalty) and Joshua Komori netted for Nkumba University to overturn Joseph Dinya’s second minute opener under very hot weather conditions.
The visitors who bossed the first leg away in Busitema commenced the opening 120 seconds of the game on a high footing when Dinya capitalized upon a defensive lapse to tap into an empty net after Gabriel Opio’s cut back.
Approaching the quarter hour mark, Nkumba University was rewarded a penalty after their captain Ssewankambo was tripped down on the peripheries of the goal area by defender Edwine Opi Asite.
The penalty decision shocked many Busitema University players and fans alike but it stood and Ssewakambo stood up to calmly convert for the equalizer with the goalkeeper Emmanuel Ongu diving late on his left.
On the hour mark, Busitema University goalkeeper Ongu was well stationed to tip over a dipping free-kick from Nkumba University left back Ismael Lubega over 35 yards.
On 33 minutes, Lubega executed a teasing corner kick that Juma Acram fumbled.
Goalkeeper Ongu once again stood out with a save off Joshua Komori’s header following a cross by roving right back Buruhani Tasumba.
As the first half neared its climax, Komori’s shot over 30 yards hit the lower left post as the score read 1-all for the mandatory recess coming to the break.
Busitema University captain Lawrence Ssali Mugerwa got cautioned after a malicious foul on Tashumba in the opening stages of the final half.
On the hour mark, Busitema University introduced Gerald Oola for Gabriel Opio.
Nkumba University also made a change; Silver Ochwo coming in for Acram Juma.
Both sides remained cautious in play but remained offensive minded.
With less than 20 minutes to play, Busitema University pushed on Abdul Salam for Emmanuel Awasi.
Nkumba University took the lead in the 78th minute when Kamori capitalized upon goalkeeper Ongu’s spilled ball off Tasumba’s shot to tap home from close range.
By this time, the job seemed an easy ride for the hosts, reserving time to accord play for Reagan Opiyo in the place of Marvin Kagimu.
2-1 it ended in favour of Nkumba University who climb to 7 points, same as Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU) in group A.
Busitema University remains on three points.
Meanwhile, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi edged the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in group E in Kansanga on Monday.
Wesley Aguma’s early strike on four minutes was the game decider as the two time UFL champions qualified for the knock out round.
Two UMU players Aguma and Taban Wijo were cautioned with IUEA’s Kevin Kaddu also getting to the referee’s books for unsporting reasons.
Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi made it four wins out of four games to amass 12 points as they remain unbeaten.
This is the sixth time that Uganda Martyr’s University has progressed to the knock out stage of this competition.
In the same group (E), Muni University is second with five points, IUEA stays on four and University of Kisubi (UNIK) has managed a single point.
Meanwhile, in group D; Gilbert Wanuume struck a hat-trick in Kampala University’s 3-2 victory over Gulu University in Nsambya.
Comboni Komakech early strike and a late penalty by Roger Nyeko were Gulu University’s consolation strikes on the sunny afternoon.
Gulu University stays on four points and Kampala International University (KIU) has fetched a single point.
Meanwhile, in Group F; Muteesa 1 Royal University edged Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 1-0 at the Masaka campus grounds.
Musa Sserwanga scored a late-late header off Patrick Busuulwa’s delivery to spark wild celebrations for the home team.
In Group C, St Lawrence University overcame YMCA 3-1 at the Kavule campus playground.
Ronnie Ziraba, Innocent Matege and Lawrence Mugerwa were all on target for St Lawrence University.
David Ochwo got the consolation for YMCA.
St Lawrence University now has 7 points from 4 matches, two ahead of YMCA in group C.
Team Line ups:
Nkumba University XI: Calvin Wabomba (G.K), Buruhani Tasumba, Ismael Lubega, Henry Mukasa, James Nabaasa, Derrick Bamanya, Solomon Bwiruka, Acram Juma, Kennedy Ssewankambo (Captain), Marvin Kagimu, Joshua Komori
Subs: Samuel Okiringi, Joel Nsubuga, Silver Ochwo, Fahad Kiyemba, Reagan Opiyo, Jeremy Kalungi, John Mwesigwa
Officials:
- Manager: Fred Katambala
- Head coach: Dr Sulaiman Bbosa
- Assistant coach: Ronald Ssonko
- Doctor: Remember Abishai
- Official: Joseph Muyiira
Busitema University XI: Emmanuel Ongu (G.K), Edwine Opi Asite, Abdallah Kyenyi, Jonah Appa, David Besweri Weshwala, Lawrence Ssali Mugerwa (Captain), Emmanuel Awasi, Gabriel Opio, Joseph Dinya, Derrick Waduma, Shanon Owino
Subs: Maxwell Kasimigi, Gerald Oola, Ali Rubangkene, Innocent Otim, Abdul Salam
Officials:
- Manager: Abdulnoor Musisi
- Head coach: David Sirama
- Assistant coach: Peter Watuwa
- Doctor: Nasser Ntanda
- Official: Oscar Wabuya
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