Pepsi UFL: Ndejje Pay Huge Price for Fans Misconduct, SLAU Opens a Wide Quarterfinal Exit for the Lions
Ndejje Fan Indiscipline Costs Lions as St Lawrence Cruise Into UFL Semis
By Kayiira Jackson
Ndejje University’s indiscipline woes have come back to haunt them after their fans’ misconduct forced a venue switch that ultimately contributed to a crushing 3-0 defeat against St Lawrence University in the Pepsi UFL quarterfinal second leg.
The highly anticipated clash, originally meant to be hosted at Ndejje’s Arena of Vision in Luweero, was instead played at Ham Stadium, Nakivubo, following sanctions imposed on the hosts. This decision came after Ndejje supporters assaulted a first assistant referee during their final group stage match against Makerere University, prompting organizers to order a neutral venue.
Stripped of home support and forced onto an unfamiliar artificial surface, Ndejje struggled to find rhythm despite enjoying early possession. The Lions controlled large spells of the opening half but failed to convert dominance into goals, with St Lawrence remaining compact and dangerous on the break.
The turning point came deep into first-half stoppage time when Julius Kalanda rose highest to head home Collin Ssemanda’s corner, handing the visitors a crucial lead.
St Lawrence returned from the break with ruthless intent. Just two minutes into the second half, a goalkeeping error by Ocen Fred allowed Kalanda to grab his second of the evening after failing to deal with a cross from Okello Ivan James. The Saints tightened their grip on the tie in the 54th minute when Alele Ambrose calmly finished off another Ssemanda set-piece.
With a three-goal cushion, St Lawrence comfortably managed the game, with Agaku Vincent marshaling the defense to deny Ndejje any route back into the contest. The Lions’ attempts to salvage pride proved futile as the visitors maintained control until the final whistle.
The result sees St Lawrence University advance to the semifinals in emphatic fashion, joining Kampala University and Muteesa I Royal University. One semifinal slot remains up for grabs, with YMCA Comprehensive set to face Kumi University.
For Ndejje, however, the defeat serves as a harsh reminder of how off-field indiscipline can directly impact on-field performance, as their campaign ends in disappointment.