Pepsi UFL: Kayondo,Ssentongo Score as UMU Beat ‘Impressive’ Muni
By: Kayiira Jackson
The two-time Pepsi University Football League champions, Uganda Martyrs University started the third title chase on a right foot with a 2-0 victory over a much improved Muni University.
The game that saw defender Kayondo Joseph and last season’s top scorer Seentongo Akbar appearing on the score sheet was played on Thursday evening at Nkozi playground.
The first stanza of the end to end encounter ended in barren stalemate with both sides losing goal scoring chances.
Muni University in the first 45 minutes were a team to beat, had the control of the game for some good minutes but the tactical switch by UMU Tactician Kisuze Eric and maybe the fatigue from the visitors changed the proceedings of the match in the second stanza.
UMU introduced the last season league top scorer Seentongo Akbar and took control of the game.
Six minutes into second half, the home side won the free kick at the left flank which Kayondo Joseph Joseph put at the back of the net for the side to have a second half early lead.
The game later lost the tempo until the last ten minutes and a kiddish error made by Muni defender granted opportunity to Ssentongo Akbar to loop over the goal keeper, Sunday Julian and opened his scoring account for the new season.
Kisuze accepted that Muni is a stubborn side that gave them a serious challenge.
“It has been a stiff game, like I told you earlier that we are playing a team that we know little about, it’s a very strong team, very stubborn and it has some good players who can control the ball and think for the team, so it has been a tough encounter, we struggled in the first half but we have changed the plan in the second half to get those two goals.” Said Kisuze Eric, Uganda Martyrs University Tactician.
To reach Nkozi, literally, Muni traveled over 500kms and their tactician revealed fatigue could not allow them play better in the second half like they did in the first half.
We have tried, some of the boys are not yet exposed, it’s their first time to play in the league, but I believe by the time these guys will come home, we shall also use the home advantage, with the long distance that they will be travelling like us they will not survive in Arua definitely.” Said Muni University Tactician Atiku Ronnie.
“Yes we managed the first half properly as I said fatigue has beat the boys in the second half and they were down.” He added.
The win puts UMU on top of group E with three points and two advantage as they wait for the encounter between International University of East Africa and University of Kisubi.
The league will continue tomorrow (Friday) with Ggaba road Derby as Kampala University will be hosting Kampala International University at Luzira Prison Grounds.
Uganda Martyrs University – Akena Pius (GK),Kayondo Joseph, Kitabalwa Robert, Tumusiime Henry, Tumusiime Emmanuel, Junga Nicolas, Cheng Per Jiek, Seruwuge Crispus, Wijo Taban, Kaija Sanny, Emayo Calvin Peter.
Substitutes– Mwirusi Mustapha, Ogwang Emma, Agamile Ivan, Ssentongo Akbar, Mukiibi Sharafa, Obed Giu Ronald,Kagwa Paul.
Coach: Kisuze Eric
Muni University -Sunday Julian (GK), Iddi Abdu,Apenjorwoth Vision ©,Agenonga Francis,Alionzi Gilbert,Jamal Acidri,Jawambe Benjamin,Mungufeni Dan,Odongo Simon,Lema Dickson,Econi Deogratius.
Substitutes– Assiimwe Guard,Diku Japhet,Enayo Desiderius,Wani Juma Moses,Makamoth Daniel,Unziman Denis,Ndeni Lucky Elvis.
Coach– Atiku Ronnie