Pepsi University Football League: Nkumba Crumble as YMCA Snatch It at the Death
The late winner sent the Buwambo crowd into a frenzy, with the “Village Campusers” celebrating their first win of the campaign in style
By: Kayiira Jackson
It was heartbreak for former champions Nkumba University as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to YMCA Comprehensive Institute in a dramatic Pepsi University Football League encounter on Monday at the YMCA Buwambo campus.
The hosts left it late, with super-sub Magezi Enock stealing the spotlight. Brought on in the second half, Magezi pounced in the first minute of added time, firing home from a rebound after Nkumba goalkeeper Kazibwe Ronald spilled Luggya Ashraf’s powerful free kick.
The late winner sent the Buwambo crowd into a frenzy, with the “Village Campusers” celebrating their first win of the campaign in style.
Earlier, both sides had battled to a tense, goalless first half filled with end-to-end exchanges but no breakthrough. After the interval, YMCA’s midfield trio of Kisseka John, Kaganzi Ibrahim, and Luggya Ashraf bossed proceedings, leaving Nkumba’s Mukiibi Saad, Bwiruka Solomon, and Nsubuga Joel struggling to find rhythm.
Nkumba skipper Lubega Ismael repeatedly attempted his trademark crosses, but YMCA captain Kyandiga Ibrahim marshaled his defense superbly to shut out the threats.
The result lifts YMCA Comprehensive into second place in the group with three points, level with Kyambogo University who earlier defeated ISBAT 2-1 at Nakivubo. Nkumba, the 11th edition champions, will now have to regroup quickly after a stuttering start to their campaign.
Action continues on Wednesday as Gulu University hosts rivals Lira University in another highly anticipated fixture.
YMCA Comprehensive – Ssenabulya Kevin (GK), Ratib Ramadhan, Dinton Talemwa, Oketa Geoffrey, Kisseka John, Kyandiga Ibrahim ©, Makubuya Trevor, Washi Ibrahim, Amos Makila, Luggya Ashraf, Kaganzi Ibrahim.
Substitutes: Wasswa Jessy, Magezi Enock, Bbosa Hakim, Mutebi Jordan, Bukenya Banex, Kasakya Innocent.
Nkumba University – Kazibwe Ronald (GK),Mukisa Brian, Tasumba Bruhan, Lubega Ismael ©, Nabasa James, Mukasa Henry, Okanya John, Nsubuga Joel, Bwiruka Solomon, Kavuma Abbey, Mukiibi Saad.
Substitutes – Kiggundu Fred, Kamya Abud Rashid, Makanga Khalid, Kaweesi Shafik, Kagimu Marvin, Wangi Joseph, Mwebe Nasser.
Coach- Dr. Bbosa Sulaiman.