By: Kayiira Jackson
Arguably the best goalkeeper in concluding group stage actions, Musasizi Shadat stood tall again for the Mbale based University, IUIU to secure an important point off defending champions, Nkumba University at the latter’s home.
The last game of group A ended in a barren draw at Nkumba University on Wednesday evening, giving a top spot for Islamic University in Uganda of group A.
The Haruna Kebba boys came with a mission to grab a point off Nkumba to confirm their qualification to quarter final for the second time in Pepsi University Football League history and at the end of the day, the mission was fully executed and finished as group A table leaders with 12 points.
Securing a point off the defending champions wasn’t a walk in the park, it needed their custodian, Musasizi Shadat to pull out his A game for the entire 90 minutes to which he perfectly did.
Musasizi who has conceded only two goals in the group stages, has had at least four world class saves to keep his side in the game, among the saved he made, he stopped three good free kicks from Lubega Ismael and Buruhani Tasumba in the last ten minutes of the second stanza.
The left Nkumba in the world of calculations and mercy of group B that has Ndejje University, Makerere University, Kumi and Victoria University.
This group will be in action on Friday; Makerere University who has eight points shall be hosting Victoria University who sits on the bottom with one point, to be in good position, Makerere needs a victory with a difference of three goals to surpass Nkumba who has a difference of seven goals on their table.
Ndejje University have nine points, they’re playing Kumi University who will travel with seven points, a draw or a winn for Kumi go in favor of Nkumba.
So far five universities have confirmed their slots at quarter final stage; Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala University, Muteesa I Royal University, IUIU, Bugema University.
The action resumes on Thursday at Kavule, St Lawrence will be hosting UCU in a must win encounter.
Nkumba University lineup – Obwana John Andrew (GK),Lubega Ismael ©, Nsubuga Joel, Mukasa Henry, Tasumba Buruhani, Nabaasa James, Mukiibi Saadi, Bamanya Derrick, Komori Joshua, Kagimu Marvin.
Substitutes – Wabomba Calvin, Byaruhanga Timothy, Bwiruka Solomon, Mwesigwa John, Ochwo Silver, Acram Juma, Mulungi Sadik.
Coach- Dr. Bbosa Sulaiman.
IUIU lineup– Musasizi Shadat (GK), Twesigye Robert, Masogot Sudaisi, Imunyo Allan Martin, Mugambe Faraji, Shikanga Emmanuel, Mpande Jimy, Onongo Denis, Tamubula Ismail, Mumali Faizal, Otim Calvin.
Substitutes – Mwandha Isaac, Obwana Eric Brian, Kwiri Samson, Walwasa Nathan, Ludhu Sheili, Kadoli Umaru, Lochoro Simon Peter.
Coach- Mubaraka Kaggwa.
