Pepsi University Football League: Ismael Lubega, Mukasa on Target As Nkumba Use Pedigree to Beat ISBAT
By: Kayiira Jackson
On their mission to equal Makerere University Business School (MUBS) as the varsities that have managed to win the Pepsi University Football League back to back, Nkumba University started well with maximum points against ISBAT University.
In the encounter honored at Beach Boys Arena Nkumba, the defending champions beat ISBAT University 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Defenders, Mukasa Henry and Ismael Lubega were on target for the hosts to secure the three points on the day.
Started as a balanced game, the battle visible in the midfield but ISBAT University was a bit disorganized by an abrupt goal scored Mukasa Henry, almost from the centre half.
The goal that was counted in the 6th minute by the first assistant referee, handed Nkumba a lead.
According to the assistant referee, Kakumirizi Daniel, ISBAT University custodian caught the ball and later entered with it inside the goal. It was a surprise goal to the extend that the scorer and other players never realized that it was a goal.
Despite being a goal down, ISBAT exhibited a promising football, dominating the possession but blunt in the final third.
Nkumba had a chance to double the lead in the 24th minute through Balyawo Ishaque but Kakumirizi pulled out world class save to rescue ISBAT from early embarrassment.
In the second stanza, ISBAT had a clear opportunity to level the matters, following a well constructed move from the right flank but Ssentongo’s final shooting was stopped by the last season’s best goalkeeper, Obwana John Andrew, that came in the 60th minute.
Five minutes later the fortunes turned to Nkumba University, won a free kick at the edge of the box and Ismael Lubega pulled out his free kick trade mark techniques that saw Nkumba killing off the game and eventually winning the three points.
Despite losing to the defending champions, ISBAT University looked a better and promising side compared to that of last season.
Nkumba University currently leads group A with three points and better goal advantage.
The league shall continue tomorrow (Sunday) with one match while University of Kisubi hosting Uganda Martyrs University.
Nkumba University – Obwana John Andrew (GK), Nabaasa James, Ismael Lubega, Mukasa Henry, Kalule Lukman, Musuga Isaac, Mukiibi Saadi, Solomon Bwiruka, Ssewankambo John Kennedy ©,Balyawo Ishaque.
Substitutes- Okiring Sam, Kavuma Abbey, Nsubuga Joel, Mete Irivia Mamur, Makanga Khalid, Derrick Bamanya, Opio Reagan.
Coach- Dr. Bbosa Sulaiman
ISBAT University – Kakumirizi Daniel (GK),Kisitu Mark, Assiimwe Albert, Busuulwa Trevor, Kalema Ashraf, Adupa Simon, Nambaale Reagan ©,Ocen Joshua, Kaliika Shadrack, Ssentongo Joshua, Wakabi Muhammad.
Substitutes- Lubandi Eric, Ngobi Joseph, Ssengendo Kevin, Kakeeto Powell, Kizito John Paul, Wasswa Mathew, Ssenono Ukasha.
Coach- Edwin Haumba