By: Kayiira Jackson
The 13th edition of the East Africa University Games held at Maseno University in Kenya have climaxed on Friday and Uganda Martyrs University beat Makerere University on football final to lift the trophy and drive home with a gold medal.
The 2017 and 2022 University football league champions, Uganda Martyrs University added the Eastern Africa University Games trophy in their cabin with a 2-1 final victory against Makerere University.
The Eric Kisuze coached side took the lead in the 12th minute of first stanza, thanks to Calvin Peter Emayu rebound following Ivan Agamile strike that hit the crossbar.
Makerere University through Male Musa leveled the matters 11 minutes later, Musa pressed the ball at the back of the net with a sweet sitter following a low cross came from the left flank of the pitch.
In the first stanza, the game ended in a one goal square.
In second stanza Uganda Martyrs University returned back stronger, not allowing Makerere University to play their tik-tak football while closing all the spaces.
In the 65th minute, Ivan Agamile brought UMU back on top with a slot in strike, thanks to Calvin Peter Emayu docket work.
Martyrs had three more clear chances to extend their lead but Peter Emayu, Cheng and Ivan Agamile all missed to do so and the encounter end at a 2-1 score line.
For starters, Uganda Martyrs brought three teams in the tournament, that’s; Rugby, basketball and football.
“Uganda Martyrs University sent three teams in Eastern Africa University Games in Maseno Kenya, we brought basketball, rugby and football, and we managed to reach finals with all our teams, we got a silver medal for basketball, a silver in rugby and today we have beat Makerere 2-1 on final to win the gold in football, remember in 2022 we got a bronze medal in football.” Said Henry Mary Lutaaya, UMU sports tutor.
“I thank all the management of Uganda Martyrs University that trusted us and ensured us that we come here, they have supported us financially. ” He added.
On the medal tally, Uganda Martyrs University finished 18th out of the 32 and went home with three medals, one gold and two silver medals.
Ndejje University was the overall winner with 98 medals.
