Pepsi University Football League:Lutwama’s Spot Kick Keeps Muteesa’s Fortress Intact Against Spirited Africa Renewal
By: Kayiira Jackson
Masaka — Muteesa I Royal University continued their impressive home run in the Pepsi University Football League with a narrow but hard-fought 1-0 victory over resilient debutants Africa Renewal University at the ‘Kabira Arena’ on Monday.
The decisive moment came in the 47th minute when midfielder Lutwama Ali coolly converted from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Mayinja Dirisa the wrong way to spark jubilant celebrations among the home fans.
Despite the loss, Africa Renewal University earned plaudits for their spirited display, especially in the first half where they dominated possession and dictated play in midfield. Their best chances came in the 26th minute — when a miscued effort denied them the opener — and just before the halftime whistle, when Ssegujja Marvin’s well-taken free kick was acrobatically parried away by Ssemakula Ivan in Muteesa’s goal.
Muteesa looked off-color in the first period, with wingers Busuulwa Patrick and Sserugo Geoffrey struggling to make an impact against Renewal’s disciplined fullbacks. But a fiery halftime talk from coach George William Ssengabi seemed to wake the hosts up, as they came out pressing with intent.
Their persistence paid off just two minutes into the restart when pressure in the box forced a foul, leading to the match-winning penalty. After taking the lead, Muteesa shifted to game management mode, absorbing Renewal’s late pressure to protect their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The win ensures that Muteesa I Royal University remain unbeaten at home, further cementing Kabira Arena’s reputation as one of the toughest grounds for visiting teams.
Meanwhile, Africa Renewal University joins the list of new entrants who failed to win on debut, with Mountains of the Moon University and Soroti University being the only newcomers to secure a point in their first matches.
Action in the Pepsi University Football League resumes on Tuesday as Kabale University hosts Bugema University in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Lineups:
Muteesa I Royal University – Ssemakula Ivan (GK),Bukenya Twaha, Mukisa Rooney, Ssentongo Shafik, Twinamasko Kenneth, Lutwama Ali, Jjunju Edie, Ssenyonjo Nicolas, Sserugo Geoffrey, Busuulwa Patrick, Rwothomio Brian.
Substitutes – Muwonge Kizza Alex, Katende Erick, Mbulachalo Felix, Ssuuna Hamidu, Kamukama Conrad, Busuulwa Akaya, Busuulwa Hassan.
Coach: Ssengabi George William.
Africa Renewal University – Mayinja Dirisa (GK),Mutome Franco, Ssegujja Gerald Marvin, Lubega Kenny Musa, Talemwa Mark, Kasujja Jamil, Ssempijja Fahd Ssesaazi, Twaha Maya, Esemu Simon Peter, Kakaire Juma, Agaba Aido.
Substitutes – Agaba Isaac, Kajumbi Salim, Ssenyonga Benjamin, Mpandu Keith, Akankwasa Crispus,Ssenyondo Kevin.
Coach- Ssebyayi Christopher