Pepsi University Football League: Makerere Takes Group E Summit with Easy Win over King Ceasor
By: Kayiira Jackson
Makerere University cruised to the top of Group E in the Pepsi University Football League after a commanding 4-0 victory over debutants King Ceasor University on Wednesday at the Makerere Grounds.
The 2012 inaugural champions were in unstoppable form, with goals from Male Musa, Adea Ambrose, Byaruhanga Isaac, and Amabe Humphrey sealing their second consecutive win of the campaign. The result pushed the William Kasozi-coached side to six points, one above both Kumi University and Ndejje University, who are tied on five points.
Makerere started brightly, dictating the tempo from kickoff. The returning forward Male Musa wasted no time in making an impact, heading home a well-delivered Ian Kajubi corner in the 5th minute to open the scoring.
Just two minutes later, Adea Ambrose doubled the lead with a spectacular half-volley that left King Ceasor goalkeeper Niyonshuti Bruno stranded.
The visitors struggled to regroup as Makerere continued to pile pressure. In the 15th minute, Byaruhanga Isaac extended the tally to 3-0, capitalizing on a clever assist from Amabe Humphrey.
Humphrey, who had already registered two assists, got his own name on the scoresheet in the 37th minute, finishing off Ekwong Emmanuel’s teasing pass to make it 4-0 by halftime.
The second half saw a more organized King Ceasor side focused on damage control. Despite their resilience, they couldn’t find a way past Makerere’s defense but managed to keep a clean sheet in the last 45 minutes.
Although King Ceasor created several promising chances, they were once again unlucky in front of goal—marking their third consecutive loss of the season. The newcomers have now conceded 13 goals and scored only once in three outings, keeping them rooted at the bottom of the group.
In a notable highlight, Makerere’s Guild President, Churchill Ssentamu, came on as a substitute in the second half, becoming the first sitting guild president to feature in the Pepsi University Football League since its inception in 2012.
Coach William Kasozi praised his team’s clinical first-half performance but urged them to maintain focus as the tournament progresses. “We dominated well in the first half and finished our chances, but we must keep improving our defensive coordination,” he said after the match.
King Ceasor’s coach, Derrick Kasumba, remained optimistic despite the heavy defeat, saying his side is still learning from the experience. “We are new to this level, but the boys are gaining confidence each game. We will bounce back,” he remarked.
The league will continue tomorrow with the last fixture of first round, newcomers Africa Renewal University will be hosting damaged Bishop Stuart University at their home ground in Buloba.
Lineups
Makerere University:
Kaziba Timothy (GK), Mubajje Samuel Lazarus, Kajubi Ian, Murungi Kelly, Ddungu Nicolas, Mutekanga Frank, Adea Ambrose, Byaruhanga Isaac, Ekwong Emmanuel (C), Male Musa.
Substitutes: Ssebiranda George, Ssaka Rodney, Katsirabo Goodman, Agaba Anthlem, Ssentamu Churchill, Nuwahereza James, Kusasira Seif Abiola.
Coach: William Kasozi
King Ceasor University:
Niyonshuti Bruno (GK), Nshimiyimana Andrew, Barigye Wills, Magala Hassan, Hafashimana Ronald, Nkurunziza Mark, Nuwarinda Gribone, Isma Faidah, Kayondo Deus, Atusiguire Arnold, Zziwa Tadeo.
Substitutes: Habumuremyi Apollo, Muhoozi Neseem, Ntirenganya Simon, Nuwahora Asaph, Mugaga Aloysius, Mugisha Sedrack, Tumwizere Joshua.
Coach: Kasumba Derrick