Pepsi University Football League: Nkumba Run Riot at Home, Hit Soroti for Six
By: Kayiira Jackson
The 2023/24 Pepsi University Football League champions Nkumba University sent a strong warning to their rivals after thrashing Soroti University 6–0 in a one-sided encounter on Thursday at the Nkumba University playground.
The former champions, nicknamed the Beach Boys, were in full control from start to finish, displaying an attacking masterclass that left the visitors gasping for air.
Despite Soroti traveling with a limited 15-man squad for their third game of the season, Nkumba showed no mercy. From the first whistle, the hosts pressed high and dictated the tempo, barely allowing the ball to cross into their half during the opening ten minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Kavuma Abbey calmly slotted home after a fine low cross from Ismael Lubega. The relentless pressure continued as Nkumba repeatedly attacked down both flanks, with Opiro Joel, Mukiibi Saad, Kavuma, Bwiruka Solomon, and Mwere Nasser tormenting the Soroti backline.
Their dominance paid off again in the 31st minute when Bwiruka Solomon pounced with a poacher’s finish to double the lead. Just four minutes later, Lubega Ismael turned scorer, curling in a trademark free kick that sent home fans into wild celebrations.
Barely two minutes after, Kavuma Abbey grabbed his second of the day in the 37th minute, completing a first-half rout as Nkumba went into the break with a commanding 4–0 lead.
Soroti returned for the second half determined to minimize the damage, but Nkumba’s hunger for goals remained unquenched. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute after Opiro Joel was fouled, but Soroti goalkeeper Osaka David Success saved Kavuma’s effort.
Nkumba continued to press and won another penalty in the 75th minute, this time converted by substitute Kagimu Marvin to make it 5–0. Just three minutes later, Mwere Nasser unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box to seal the 6–0 humiliation.
Late drama unfolded in the 90th minute when Nkumba midfielder Okanya John received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge.
The emphatic victory marked Nkumba University’s biggest win of the season and the largest margin recorded in the 2025 campaign so far. The result lifted Nkumba to second place in Group C with six points, just one behind leaders Kyambogo University, while Soroti stayed on four points from three games.
Action in the Pepsi University Football League continues tomorrow with ISBAT University facing Busitema University at Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Lineups
Nkumba University:
Kazibwe Ronald (GK), Mukasa Henry, Tasumba Bruhan, Lubega Ismael ©, Nabasa James, Okanya John, Opiro Joel, Mukiibi Saad, Bwiruka Solomon, Kavuma Abbey, Mwere Nasser.
Substitutes: Kiggundu Fred, Kamya Rashid, Kaweesi Shafik, Kagimu Marvin, Makanga Khalid, Wangi Joseph, Kiyimba Fahad.
Soroti University:
Osaka David Success (GK), Bambaga Joseph, Ojukuru Kevin, Anyama Ezekiel, Amaru Stephen, Enangu Boniface, Alex Tugume, Ssentamu Oscar, Ekadit Anthony Bernard, Obenyo Abraham.
Substitutes: Mugumya Anthony, Ledu Robinson, Ssabatakula Daniel, Eliamu John David.
Coach: Joseph Emitu.