By: Kayiira Jackson
The goal poacher, Kembo Osman Arafat heroically helped St Lawrence University to stormed their third final in the Pepsi University Football League.
The lone strike that came in the middle of the first stanza of the second leg of the first semifinal held on Thursday at Mukiibi’s Cathedral in Kavule – Mpigi saw St Lawrence winning the match 1-0.
With a goal poacher’s strike Kembo handed the hosts a lead in the 24th minute that eventually won the tie, thanks to Ssentongo Ivan low cross from the left flank.
Davis Nonno Boyd dominated the whole of the first stanza with their tiktak ball, the side had a chance to extend the lead but skipper Ziraba Ronnie slipped in the box, failing to press the ball in an empty net, following great build up from the middle of the park.
Four minutes into the second stanza, Mumali Faizal got a golden opportunity but his ball hit the cross bar after a tip made by St Lawrence custodian Mubiru Patrick, that was the best chance the visitors got in the entire game.
At the final whistle, St Lawrence reached the final with a 2-1 aggregate score, the first leg ended in a one all draw in Mbale.
This is the third time St Lawrence reaching UFL Final, the first came in 2019, lost it to UCU, the second was in 2022 and lost it to Uganda Martyrs University.
St Lawrence will wait for the winner between Bugema University and Uganda Martyrs University who are playing their second leg fixture on Tuesday next week.
St Lawrence University lineup– Mubiru Patrick (GK),Kato Derrick, Ssentongo Ivan, Ojok Joshua, Agaku Vicent, Aaron Stuart Mutebi, Kalanda Julius, Ssekyanzi Patrick, Ziraba Ronnie ©, Kembo Osman Arafat, Matege James Innocent.
Substitutes – Kateete Muhammad (GK) Alele Ambrose, Kamya Dickson, Baligeya Garvin, Mugerwa Lawrence, Munanira Derrick.
Coach- Davis Nonno Ssozi
IUIU lineup– Musasizi Shadat (GK), Twesigye Robert, Masogoi Sudaisi, Imunyo Allan Martin, Mugambe Faraji, Mpande Jimy, Shikanga Emmanuel, Onongo Denis, Lochoro Simon Peter, Otim Calvin, Mumali Faizal.
Substitutes – Mwanda Isaac (GK), Mwesigwa David, Kwiri Samson, Obwana Eric Brian, Ludhu Sheili, Nduga Ramathan, Kadoli Umaru.
Coach- Kebba Haruna.
