Pepsi University Football League: Soroti Defies Odds to Hold Busitema
By Kayiira Jackson
Soroti University announced their arrival in the Pepsi University Football League in style, holding seasoned campaigners Busitema University to a goalless draw in their debut match on Saturday evening at the Busitema University playground.
The stalemate made Soroti the second debutant this season to avoid defeat in their opening fixture, following King Ceasor University’s upset against IUIU earlier in the week.
Despite arriving just minutes before kick-off and barely having a warm-up, Soroti defied the odds and grew into the game after withstanding Busitema’s early pressure. The hosts dominated the opening exchanges but lacked composure in the final third, leaving Soroti’s defense to settle and gain confidence.
By the second quarter of the match, Soroti began to control possession in midfield through the industrious work of Tugume Alex and Luyima Eric. However, they too struggled to break down a resolute Busitema defense marshalled by David Besweri Weswala.
Busitema’s Musa Nsubuga and Gerald Oola had half chances to put their side ahead before halftime, but poor decision-making in the box denied them the breakthrough.
In the second half, coach Abdul Noor Musisi introduced substitutes Derrick Ntale and Emmanuel Awas in quick succession, seeking to inject pace and sharpness into the attack. The tactical switch lifted Busitema’s intensity, but Soroti’s custodian Elonu Edmond stood firm between the posts.
Busitema thought they had found the winner in the 86th minute when substitute Jordan Othieno cleverly backheeled the ball into the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was already raised for offside. In stoppage time, another substitute, Sudaisi Tamale, unleashed a fierce strike that Edmond pushed onto the crossbar before scrambling back to claw the ball off the line.
Soroti, led by coach Erebu J. Michael, continued to impress with their composure in midfield and tactical discipline. While they lacked cutting edge up front, their resilient display hinted at a promising campaign ahead.
This result became the third goalless draw of the 2025 season, following Kampala University’s clash with Uganda Martyrs University and University of Kisubi’s encounter with Mountains of the Moon University.
The league now takes a one-day break before resuming on Monday, October 6, with Muteesa I Royal University facing newcomers Africa Renewal University in what promises to be another exciting fixture.
Lineups:
Busitema University: Micheal Ochan (GK), Brian Ssenabulya, Ahamad Migisa Kahuma, David Besweri Weswala, Amos Mutaka, Emmanuel Othieno, Ibrahim Okello, Shanon Alex Owino, Musa Nsubuga, Ashraf Hussein Okwalinga, Gerald Oola.
Substitutes: Shafic Kigozi, Ronald Barasa, Gabriel Opio, Derrick Ntale, Emmanuel Awas, Jordan Othieno, Sudaisi Tamale.
Coach: Abdul Noor Musisi
Soroti University: Elonu Edmond (GK), Enangu Boniface, Ojukur Kevin, Ekwamu Elly, Ssebatakula Daniel, Luyima Eric, Okello Vaciluis, Tugume Alex, Mugumia Anthony, Ssentamu Oscar, Eliamu John David.
Substitutes: Osaka David, Anyama Ezekiel, Kemigisha Derrick, Amori Stephen, Bambaga Joseph, Ludo Robinson.
Coach: Erebu J. Michael