By: Kayiira Jackson
On the judgement day, the two time losing finalists, St Lawrence University qualified to the quarter finals of the 2025 Edition of Pepsi University Football League.
Davis Nnono Ssozi coached side beat Uganda Christian University 2-1 in the epic encounter honoured today (Thursday) at Mukiibi’s Cathedral (Kavule).
Mugerwa Lawrence and Osman Kembo Arafat scored the two important goals while UCU’s only strike came from Nyanzi Haruna.
The visitors first took the lead through Nyanzi Haruna beautiful strike that came in the second minute of the added time in first stanza.
With the general display, the match has been of two halves, easy side enjoying one.
The first stanza was dominated by UCU with their midfield of Kisembo Ivan and Kyomuhendo Peter holding well the middle of the park giving no space to St Lawrence’s play maker, Ziraba Ronnie to operate.
The matters changed when Kyomuhendo picked up a yellow card in the opening minutes of the second stanza.
In the 62nd minute, St Lawrence won a penalty that was contested by UCU’s defence claiming that it wasn’t handball because the arm was in its nature position when the ball hit it. In this contest, the visitors captain and goalkeeper, Mwidu David Elton won a yellow card on spot.
Substitute, Mugerwa Lawrence converted from the spot to level the matters in the 63rd minute.
St Lawrence continued to dominate the play when UCU pulled Kyomuhendo Peter off the pitch in fear of him winning a red card, St Lawrence introduced Mutebi Aaron Stuart and took the matters in their hands.
In the 70th minute, Osman Kembo with a goal Poacher’s finish, he handed St Lawrence a lead and eventual winner of the day, thanks to Ziraba Ronnie brilliant overhead pass that found a running Osman who had only one touch to tap the ball at the back of the net.
UCU got scoring opportunities in the last ten minutes of the game but Kateete Muhammad, SLAU’s custodian pulled out two classic saves, denying Ivan Kisembo hard shot and Marvin Mwavu header.
The win helped St Lawrence University to top group C with ten points and continues to maintain their homework unbeaten run.
St Lawrence shall wait for the winner between Kumpi University and Ndejje University who are playing on Friday at the Arena of Vision in Ndejje.
On the same day, Makerere University and Victoria University shall lock horns at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala.
St Lawrence University Lineup – Kateete Muhammad (GK),Munaanira Derrick, Osman Kembo Arafat, Kato Derrick,Matege Innocent,Alele Ambrose,Ojok Joshua,Ssekyanzi Patrick, Ziraba Ronnie ©,Miraj Ali,Agaku Vicent.
Substitutes– Mubiru Patrick (GK), Olul Shawal, Kamya Dickson, Mutebi Aaron Stuart, Kalanda Julius, Ssemakula Rajab,Mugerwa Lawrence.
Coach – Davis Nnono Ssozi.
UCU lineup– Mwidu David Elton (GK)©,Nyanzi Haruna, Wambuga Marvin, Ssewanyana Sharif,Ogola Patrick, Kisembo Ivan, Kyomuhendo Peter,Ariaka Jordan,Opio Allan,Abiti Harry,Oyaka Geoffrey.
Substitutes– Rukari Norman, Kyeyune Isaac,Bananywa Najib,Obura Abel,Busobozi Karim.
Coach– Kintu Jimmy
