Pepsi UFL: Bugema Starts on a wrong foot again as Gulu Registers a Rare Victory
By: Kayiira Jackson
Gulu University 1-0 Bugema University
Like they did it last edition, Bugema University against started the season on a poor note, losing 1-0 against Gulu University on Sunday in Gulu City.
The only goal that won the day was scored by Ssengendo Derrick Senoga in the first 2 seconds of the game which makes the goal the fastest this season so far.
The visitors, started on a very low pace which gave Gulu a clear opportunity to enjoy the game especially in the first stanza.
At the start of the match, Gulu had only three touches before Ssengendo got a powerful shot that Karungi Ronald, Bugema University’s custodian failed to handle and sent the local fans into unexpected and early celebrations.
On at least three occasions in the first stanza, Okot Aron Junior had clear cut chances to add Gulu the second goal but failed to go on target.
The goal scorer, Ssengendo Derrick Senoga was the man of the show not because of scoring but he manned the midfield and denied Bugema to play which forced their tactician Nyanzi Meddy to withdraw Male Joseph off the pitch and replaced him with Jombwe Arthur in the 38th minute.
However, it also didn’t work for them because they only got half chances in the last third that couldn’t produce them any positive results.
Karungi Ronald, the visitors’ custodian is another player who was totally off on the day and he asked his own substitution in the 80th minute at least to save his side from considering more.
“I am very proud of these boys, scoring in the first minute and defending for the rest of the 89 minutes, it’s a sign of great attitude from the boys and I am very proud of them. Last season we had a lot of young players, they were still getting the test of this league but they have gained that experience and I am confident that this time we shall make it out of the group. ” Said Gulu University Captain, Lacwech Joel.
Currently Gulu are topping group D with three points as they wait for results from Kampala University and Kampala International University fixture that will come later in the week.
“It has been a challenging game to say because we had planned very well but the simple mistakes in the game cost us, we’re going to make great changes and we are waiting for them in Bugema. The journey has also challenged us, since Karuma was closed, we had to use the long route, our bodies caught up the intensity very late.” Jombwe Arthur, Bugema University player.
This is the second time in a row, Bugema losing the opening fixture, last season they lost 3-1 against Uganda Martyrs University in Nkozi.
The league will continue on Tuesday when Kabale University will be hosting YMCA in Kabale.
Gulu University – Komakech Douglas (GK), Odong Brian, Otim Richard Okello, Lacwech Joel©,Oboth Ronald, Bushra Mahjod, Omony Angel Gabriel, Okwir Emmanuel, Odongo Brian, Ssengendo Derrick Senoga, Okot Aron Junior.
Substitutes – Gumoweka Enock, Arora Aaron, Alera Herbert, Akera Michael Ben, Komakech Michael, Nyeko Rogers, Kuweba Rodney.
Coach– Mugisha Ben
Bugema University – Karungi Ronald (GK),Kagoda Charles ©,Kimuli Dennis, Emomer Tedias Richard, Wamani Fred, Opio Aziizi, Male Joseph, Wafula Felix, Sawa Eric, Sulaiman Ali Ssentongo, Musuk Mark Innocent.
Substitute– Bwabye Keneth, Mulyanti Sizemoore, Amuka Henry Dasan, Elakas Moses, Musinguzi Derrick, Jombwe Arthur
Coach – Nyanzi Meddy