Pepsi UFL Quarterfinal3: SLAU Remind Ndejje Lions, ‘We’re the Same as of Last Year’

By Kayiira Jackson 

St Lawrence University edged Ndejje University 2-1 in the first-leg encounter of the Pepsi University Football League quarterfinals hosted at Kavule on Thursday,delivering a slightly better performance to take a slender advantage into the return leg.

This fixture marked a repeat of last season’s quarterfinal meeting, where St Lawrence University also defeated Ndejje 2-1 at Kavule—adding extra narrative to an already intense clash between the two sides.

The game started cautiously, with both teams locked in a midfield battle that set the tone for much of the first half. St Lawrence looked to exploit long balls early on, while Ndejje struggled to cope with the aerial threat. The contest between Mugumira Ashiraf and Ziraba Ronnie in midfield added intensity to an otherwise balanced opening.

Clear-cut chances were few in the early stages, though Ndejje’s goalkeeper Ocen Fred showed alertness in the 14th minute, rushing off his line to deny Ziraba a potential scoring opportunity.

Ndejje gradually grew into the game, building from the back with confidence. In the 18th minute, a well-worked move involving Ebasu Clement and Mugumira nearly paid off, but Anyaka Ambrose failed to make the most of the final pass as the hosts cleared their lines.

The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Ziraba Ronnie rose to the occasion, meeting a precise delivery from Mukiibi Sharafah to give St Lawrence the lead.

However, the advantage was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Musinguzi Davis restored parity for Ndejje, finishing calmly from close range after being picked out by Joel Olupot in a swift attacking move.

Both sides continued to push, but the midfield stalemate persisted, sending the game into halftime level at 1-1.

After the restart, St Lawrence looked more purposeful. Ziraba came close in the 50th minute with a header that drifted off target, while Mutaka Joseph tested the St Lawrence goalkeeper shortly after with a powerful effort.

Ndejje, however, had their moments. Musinguzi Davis remained a constant threat and came agonizingly close in the 61st minute, blazing over the bar after a brilliant setup by Katabazi Ekras. That missed opportunity proved costly.

Moments later, St Lawrence reclaimed the lead in the 62nd minute. Mukiibi Sharafah turned from provider to scorer, heading home Ivan Okello’s cross to put the hosts ahead once again.

From then on, St Lawrence asserted control over the game. Sharafah nearly added a third in the 75th minute, but his powerful strike rattled the woodwork. Okello also came close to sealing the victory, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Ocen Fred.

Despite late efforts from Joel Olupot, who tried to rally the visitors in the closing minutes, Ndejje could not find an equalizer.

The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for St Lawrence University, giving them a narrow but crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.

The Pepsi UFL action continues on Sunday, with Kumi University set to host YMCA Comprehensive in another exciting quarterfinal clash.