By: Kayiira Jackson
St Lawrence University bounces back in calculations following a massive 3-1 victory secured against YMCA Comprehensive in a University Football League fixture honored on Wednesday at Mukiibi’s ‘Cathedral’ in Kavule Mpigi.
The day’s team captain Ziraba Ronnie, Innocent James Matege and Mugerwa Lawrence were on target as the Davis Nnono coached side securing the three important points, Ochwo David netted the only consolation for the visitors.
Ziraba led by example, scoring first to hand the hosts a lead with a nice slot in strike in the 18th minute. SLAU caught YMCA on counter, with at least three touches for the middle of the park before Julius Kalanda release Ziraba with an outer foot pass for the latter to play the ball at the back of the net.
YMCA who didn’t have their head coach Allan Katwe on touchline, maintained their game plan, tried to press for a leveler before the break but SLAU’s custodian, Kateete Muhammad on at least three occasions stood tall to keep his side in the lead.
Like it was for the first goal, YMCA in the second minute of the second stanza lost the possession in the midfield, Ziraba got them on break, put off two bodies, released Mugerwa Lawrence who’s strike stopped on the goal line, Isabirye Peter (YMCA keeper) fambled with the ball, failed to clear it and handed Innocent Matege a chance to score from a rebound in the 47th minute.
YMCA got a consolation in the 64th minute, Ochwo David answered the comer kick that was swang out by Luggya Ashiraf.
The visitors got a chance to level the match but their goal was ruled out by the second assistant referee with his offside call.
Substitute, Mugerwa Lawrence sealed the win for St Lawrence who didn’t have their head coach Davis Nnono on touchline who was serving a a punishment he got in the reverse fixture at YMCA Buwambo.
Mugerwa had a free header into the back of the net, thanks to Innocent Matege well swang in corner kick for the right flank.
The win moved St Lawrence University to the top of the table of group C with 7 points in four played fixtures, YMCA dropped to seven with five points, Kabale third, UCU last with four and two points respectively.
The league will continue on Thursday with group D fixture at Yes Centre- Nsambya where Kampala University will play host Gulu University.
St Lawrence lineup:
Kateete Muhammad (GK)Alele Ambrose, Ojok Joshua, Ssentongo Ivan, Agaku Vincent, Aaron Stuart Mutebi, Ssekyanzi Patrick, Ziraba Ronnie ©,Matege James Innocent, Kalanda Julius, Miraje Ali.
Substitutes:
Kaboler Emmanuel Alex, Balondemu David Lukisi, Mugerwa Lawrence, Munanira Derrick, Olul Shawal, Ssemakula Rajab, Mubiru Patrick.
Assistant coach: Bakisuula Fred.
YMCA lineup:
Isabirye Peter (GK),Wasswa Jessy Kalumba, Chandiga Ibrahim, Ndugu John, Ochwo David Tonny, Wasswa Farouk, Luggya Ashiraf, Ngobya Vincent, Kaganzi Banton Ibrahim, Kiseka John, Kanabi Hakim.
Substitutes:
Kakaire Timothy, Kakumba Jaufah Isa, Musigyi Joshua Neumani, Mutebi Jordan Titus, Mbalule Abas, Kiwanuka Pablon.
Coach: Ssebwato Vincent
