Pepsi UFL: Fresh Legs as UCU, St Lawrence Equal the Score in the league Opener
By: Kayiira Jackson
UFL Tuesday results:
Uganda Christian University 1–1 St. Lawrence University
The 2024/25 season of the Pepsi University Football League has kicked off on Tuesday with the 2019 champions sharing points with St Lawrence University at UCU Mukono.
The an end to end encounter ended in a one all draw with Abiti Harry and Ziraba Ronnie scoring UCU and SLAU respectively.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 30th minute thanks to a well taken free kick by Abiti Harry but three minutes later, Ziraba Ronnie leveled for the visitors in the 33rd minute. The scorer had a good header at the far post.
The two teams kept on pressing for a way through thereafter but lacked the cutting edge despite creating a couple of chances. The most notable ones came early in the second stanza and on both occasions Abiti failed to put the ball at the back of the net despite the fact that they were full chances for him to score with his left foot.
Putting aside the results, both sides had a number of new faces compared to those they had in the previous two seasons.
The UCU started a new era without their now former captain Geoffrey Gagganga who’s time at university expired, the same to their defender, Godfrey Arijole, Tenywa Derrick, Isaac Ofoyirwoth, goalkeeper, Wesonga Collins and Mutebi Ivan.
The same to St Lawrence University, Davis Nnono side don’t have Michael Abura.
A draw ensured that St. Lawrence remain winless against UCU given that the latter defeated the former to win their only league title in 2019.
They are tied on one point each in Group C which also has Kabale University and YMCA.
Action in the Pepsi University Football League resumes on Thursday 19th September with a Group B fixture between inaugural winners Makerere University and Victoria University at the Makerere University playgrounds.
UCU starting list:
Mwidu David Elton (GK)©, Ogora Patrick, Apenjo Isaac, Wabunga Marvin, Ssewanyana Sharif, Kyomuhendo Peter, Oyaka Geoffrey, Opio Allan, Abiti Harry, Ariaka Jordan, Obura Abel
Substitutes – Rukaari Norman, Maiso Solomon, Achidri Joshua, Higaye Douglas, Nyanzi Haruna, Katamba Titus, Bananywa Najib
Coach: Jimmy Kintu
St Lawrence University starting list:
Mubiru Patrick (GK),Kato Derrick, Ssentongo Ivan, Balondemu David Lukisi ©, Agaku Vincent, Kavuma Abdul, Kayongo Michael, Kembo Osman Arafat, Kayemba Henry, Ziraba Ronnie, Matege Innocent.
Substitutes – Olul Shawal, Ssemakula Rajab, Munanira Derrick, Kalanda Julius, Ojok Joshua, Kabolera Emmanuel, Mugerwa Lawrence.
Coach: Davis Nnono Ssozi