In a thrilling encounter, two-time Pepsi University Football League (UFL) champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) exacted revenge on Nkumba University, the team that defeated them in the quarterfinals last season.
The defending champions, Nkumba University, were eliminated from the league with a 4-3 aggregate score, following a 2-2 draw in the second leg at Nkozi University Grounds.
The match was a nail-biting affair, with all four goals scored in the first half.
Defender Mutebi Patrick and Sunny Kaija netted for UMU, while Kavuma Abbey and Tasumba Buruhani scored for Nkumba.
Mutebi Patrick, arguably the best center back in the league, gave the hosts an early lead with a free header in the first minute, converting a ball laid by Joseph Kayondo from a corner kick.
Nkumba equalized through Kavuma Abbey’s header in the 25th minute, courtesy of Bamanya Derrick’s teasing overhead pass.
UMU mounted pressure on the visitors, with Kayondo delivering relentless crosses.
In the 35th minute, Nkumba conceded, and Sunny Kaija reclaimed the hosts’ lead with a diving header, thanks to another assist from Kayondo Joseph.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Nkumba’s right fullback, Tasumba Buruhani, launched a strike from the right flank that hit the top corner of the net, leveling the score once again.
The second half saw reduced pressure, as the hosts opted to protect their aggregate lead. Although both teams created scoring chances, none were converted.
UMU had won the first leg 2-1 at Nkumba, and a draw of any kind was sufficient for them to advance.
Notably, it was at this same stage that Nkumba defeated UMU 2-1 on aggregate last season, ultimately winning the title.
The league resumes tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Arena of Vision, where Ndejje University will host St. Lawrence University.
