Pepsi UFL: UCU Cardinals Force Baboons From Busitema to ‘Eat Grass Three-times a Day’
UCU Cardinals Soar Past Busitema in Three-Goal Victory
By Kayiira Jackson
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Cardinals made a commanding start against Busitema University, registering a convincing 3-0 victory in the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) on Wednesday at the expense of the visitors in Mukono.
The Mukono-based side settled the contest early, scoring twice within three minutes to take control of the encounter.
Owor Chrysostom opened the scoring in the 14th minute, rising highest to head home Ivan Kisemabo’s delivery and give the Cardinals the breakthrough.
Three minutes later, Wadawa Bashir doubled UCU’s advantage after capitalising on a defensive mistake by Busitema’s Jeremiah, who failed to put enough power into a back pass, allowing Wadawa to intercept before firing into the net.
Busitema, nicknamed the Baboons, struggled to find their rhythm in the opening half and went into the break trailing 2-0 despite efforts to find a way back into the contest.
The visitors showed some improvement after the restart, enjoying spells of possession as Owino Shanon and Ntale Derrick attempted to create opportunities.
However, UCU remained in control, with goalkeeper Sebale Abdulsalam comfortably dealing with Owino Shannon’s long-range effort in the 62nd minute.
The Cardinals extended their advantage in the 70th minute when substitute Kitibwa Alvin Eipu calmly converted a penalty to make it 3-0 and put the result beyond doubt.
UCU had further opportunities to increase their tally, but Kitiibwa sent his effort over the crossbar in the 88th minute after Mulongo’s cross and Kisembo’s setup.
The victory offers UCU an encouraging start as they seek to re-establish themselves among the league’s contenders.
Both universities endured disappointing campaigns last season, failing to progress beyond the group stage. However, UCU will be particularly motivated to return to the top, having last won the Pepsi UFL title in 2019.
Meanwhile, Pepsi UFL action resumes on Thursday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, where newcomers Metropolitan University will host former champions Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).