By: Kayiira Jackson
Muteesa I Royal University writes fresh history in the Pepsi University football league, becomes the first University in debut season to qualify to knockout stages of the prestigious of the educated ones.
The Masaka City based University beat Mbarara University of Science and Technology 2-1 in Mbarara on Friday to become the second confirmed side to play the quarter finals of the 12th edition of Pepsi University Football League.
Goals from Lutwama Ali and Busuulwa Akaya were enough for the visitors to walk back home with most wanted victory. Ssebagala Marvin scored the only goal for MUST on the day.
The hosts first took the lead through Ssebagala Marvin cool finish in the 36th minute following a good display for the hosts in the opening 30 minutes of the tense encounter.
The first stanza ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts which gave MUBS fans some smile because by that time according to table standings, the two time champions had hope that they can finish the business at home in the group stage closing fixture.
Two minutes into the second stanza,Muteesa’s pacey forward, Busuulwa Patrick was brought down in the area and the visitors won the penalty which was calmly converted by Lutwama Ali to level the matters in the 48th minute. Even at this stage MUBS still had glimpse of chances not to stop in the group.
Muteesa kept on pressing for a separator to finish the business on road but MUST was very tight in defense like any party spoiler, the hosts even got a clinical chance in the 85th minute but Ssebagala’s effort to have a brace on the day was saved by the visitors’ custodian Mugerwa Fred.
The breaker of two hearts (MUST and MUBS) at once came from a substitute Busuulwa Akaya in the added minutes, the boy who fainted later perfectly converted Kakeeto’s close. And the traveling fans went crazy.
The victory gave Muteesa an automatic ticket to quarterfinals, collected nine points in four matches and topped group F that has three teams.
The league continues tomorrow with one fixture, Kabale University shall be hosting St Lawrence University in an anticipated fixture.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology lineup:
Mugisha Isaac (GK), Atuhairwe Ronald,Ainomugisha Coleb,Orebe Jacob ©,Aisanzu Derrick,Ayebare Kevin,Natukunda Christopher, Ssebagala Marvin,Lomuro Joseph,Nasasira Innocent.
Substitutes – Akandwanaho,Onama John,Okongo Moses,Ainamununuzi Benjamin,Ainamani Richman,Musinguzi Ernest,Opungu Robin
Coach: Kyagambidwa Muhammad.
Muteesa I Royal University lineup:
Mugerwa Fred (GK),Kakeeto Mansoor,Mukisa Rooney,Twinamasiko Kenneth,Lutwama Ali,Jjunju Edie ©,Ssenyonjo Nicolas,Sserugo Geoffrey,Busuulwa Patrick, Mubiru Ibrahim.
Substitutes- Busuulwa Akaya, Busuulwa Hassan,Sserugo Denis,Lubega Musa,Kamukama Conrad, Ssebanenya Ramathan,Yakuubu Sulaiman.
Coach: Ssengabi George William
