NSL: Prisons an Easy Coursework for UCU Angels as KCCA Teach School Girls from Buddo
By Kayiira Jackson
UCU Angels produced one of the most dramatic results of the Uganda Netball Super League season, overturning a five-goal half-time deficit to beat East African champions Prisons Netball Club 46-45 under floodlights at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds, on Saturday, October 17.
The university side showed remarkable resilience to hand Prisons their first defeat of the campaign, strengthening their grip on the top of the standings in a result that could prove significant in the title race.
Prisons appeared in control during the first half, taking the opening quarter 14-11 before adding an 11-9 advantage in the second to establish a 25-20 lead at the break.
However, UCU returned from the interval with renewed purpose, matching their opponents’ physicality and improving their attacking efficiency to win the third quarter 13-8, cutting the deficit to just one goal.
The decisive fourth quarter remained closely contested, with UCU edging it 13-12 to complete a remarkable turnaround and secure a one-goal victory.
The final moments were overshadowed by controversy after main umpire Kabiito initially awarded what appeared to be an equalising goal to Prisons before reversing the decision after the final whistle. The decision triggered protests from the Prisons technical bench, denying them the opportunity to force a draw reminiscent of their first-round meeting last season.
The victory lifted UCU Angels to 22 points from 12 matches, with their only defeat of the campaign coming against defending champions KCCA Netball Club.
Prisons remain fourth with 18 points from 10 matches, having earlier registered a 59-52 victory over Canan Netball Club on the same day.
While UCU stole the spotlight with their comeback, defending champions KCCA Netball Club continued their unbeaten campaign with a 52-44 victory over Buddo Secondary School.
KCCA made a strong start, taking the first quarter 16-10 before the teams shared the second quarter 11-11.
The champions maintained their advantage in the third quarter, winning 13-11, before both sides scored 12 goals in the final period to seal an eight-goal victory for KCCA.
The result moved KCCA to 20 points from 10 matches, keeping them second behind UCU Angels with two games in hand.
However, the contest was marred by heated exchanges involving players and officials.
KCCA defender Shafie Nalwanjja was handed a two-minute suspension by umpire Wycliffe Nahayo after protesting a series of decisions.
Tensions escalated further when Nalwanjja became involved in a confrontation with Lean Gill, drawing in Gill’s mother, Zubedah Nassanga, who serves as an umpire’s assessor.
The incident briefly interrupted play as KCCA players and technical officials intervened to restore order.
Weyonje also strengthened their position among the league’s leading contenders with a commanding 50-33 victory over off-form UPDF.
The result took Weyonje to 18 points from 11 matches, keeping them third in the standings, although they have played one more match than Prisons.
Elsewhere, Canan Netball Club recovered from their earlier defeat to Prisons by overcoming Dynamite 43-36 in their second match of the day.
The results leave the league’s leading positions finely balanced, with UCU Angels setting the pace, KCCA maintaining their unbeaten record and Weyonje continuing to apply pressure.
Uganda Netball Super League: Weekend Results
- KCCA 52-44 Buddo Secondary School
- Dynamite 36-43 Canan Netball Club
- Canan Netball Club 52-59 Prisons Netball Club
- Weyonje 50-33 UPDF
- UCU Angels 46-45 Prisons Netball Club