Pepsi UFL Quarter Final: Record Breakers, Beach Boys ‘Crucify’ the Martyrs at Own Shrine
Pepsi University Football League
Quarter Final results:
Uganda Martyrs University 0-1 Nkumba University [agg 1-2]
Nkumba University propelled to semifinals of the Pepsi University Football League for the first time since they last did it in 2016.
The beach boys beat Uganda Martyrs University at their own courtyard in Nkozi on Thursday.
The late header from Musuga Isaac was enough to break two records in one day. The goal unlocked the eight years jinx of not qualifying to the semifinals as well as breaking the defending champions home unbeaten run of nine years.
The two sides shared spoils in the first leg at Nkumba with both sides scoring once, Nkumba University went into second leg knowing that only a scoring match can help them to propel to the next level.
However, the Bbosa Sulaiman charges started on a low note welcoming Uganda Martyrs University into their half and on two occasions, the hosts had chances to kill off the game but Nkumba’s custodian, arguably the best goalkeeping so far in the league, Obwana John Andrew was equal to the challenge, and the most notable classic save came in the 43rd minute, when he stopped Sanny Kaija’s would be wonderful goal.
In general, the hosts enjoyed the possession in the first opening 45 minutes. However, in the second stanza, the visitors pulled out the attacking abilities and in the first 15 minutes of the second half, UMU were on back foot.
In the last 20 minutes after realizing that having a goal past spot on custodian for Nkumba, Eric Kisuze boys employed the delaying tactics which had worked for the until Nkumba won a set piece in the the two added minutes of the game.
From at least 35 yards away from the goal line at the left flank of the pitch, Mukasa Henry with his lethal left foot curled a teasing ball into the box and midfield the eventual man of the match, Musuga Isaac lifted his body above we everyone in the area and headed the ball at the back of the net and sent the traveling fans into crazy celebrations in the 90+3 minutes.
“I want to appreciate the boys, I think it was a good performance for us, I think, we managed the game so well because in such games that are decisive, game management is very important, so we didn’t play in the first half because we never wanted to concede, so it was a way telling the opponents that please relax and I think you saw them wasting time, and immediately we picked an advantage from a set piece and we got a goal.” Says excited Bbosa Sulaiman, Nkumba University tactician.
“It has been a while for us to go through to the semifinals, we have had a lot of practice and we have trained a lot with our coaches, we had a number of friendly matches with KCCA, Vipers that have helped us to go through but we had the brief in ourselves that we can go through.” Said, Ssewankambo John Kennedy, Nkumba University skipper.
Nkumba University has joined Uganda Christian University, Makerere University Business School who have already booked their places at semifinal.
The last quarter final fixture will be held next week on Tuesday at Crown City Campus in Kavule as St Lawrence University will be hosting Kampala University.
Starting list for UMU against Nkumba:
Okoboi Sadam (GK), Kayondo Joseph ©, Tumusiime Henry, Kitabalwa Robert, Kibirige Alex, Odoi Valentino, Ogwang Francis, Ssentongo Akbar, Kaija Sanny, Agamire Ivan, Emayo Calvin.
Substitutes: Akena Pius, Aguma Wesley, Mutebi Patrick, Ogwang Emmanuel,Kamori Joshua,Wijo Taban, Lwanyaga Richard.
Coach: Eric Kisuze
Nkumba University starting list against UMU:
Obwana John Andrew, Nsubuga Joel, Lubega Ismeal, Mukasa Henry, Kasule Lukman, Musuga Isaac, Kikoyo Aron, Ssewankambo John Kennedy ©, Irivia Mamur, Kawuma Abbey.
Substitutes: Okiring Samuel, Nabir Iddi, Balyawo Ishaque, Kizza Kassim, Mukiibi Saad, Opio Reagan, Ssebadduka Kennedy, Anguzu John Bosco.
Coach: Bbosa Sulaiman