By: Kayiira Jackson
The Pepsi University Football League champions, Nkumba University needed two controversial set pieces to register a much needed victory against resilient Busitema University.
In the highly contested fixture held on Tuesday at Nkumba University, the hosts came from a goal down to beat the visitors 2-1 to secure their second win of the season.
Ssewankambo Kennedy and Komori Joshua scored for Nkumba and Dinya Joseph converted to only goal for Busitema.
The 2024 UFL champions had unpleasant first round of the 12th edition of the Pepsi University Football, collecting only four points out of the possible nine and to brighten their qualification chances, today’s encounter was a must win.
However, Busitema University who beat them 1-0 in the reverse fixture last season, first made it had for the hosts to achieve their target with an early goal scored by Dinya Joseph.
The pacy forward headed the visitors a four minute early lead with a wonder strike inside the 18-yards box.
In the 14th minute, the center referee awarded Nkumba University a penalty that was hugely contested by the Busitema defenders claiming that Ssewankambo Kennedy dived into the box without any contact.
Later on the skipper , Ssewankambo converted from the spot kick to level the matters in the 15th minute.
In the 22nd minute, with literally a uniform foul came against Busitema’s forward, Owino Shanon but the referee waved for a play on.
The first stanza went down with both sides tie at 1-1.
The tempo in the second stanza was a bit low compared to the intensity exhibited in the first half.
With 10 minutes to the final whistle, the referee awarded another controversial free kick near the edge of the box from the left wing.
Buruhani Tasumba took the curled low free kick which the Busitema custodian Ongu Emmanuel fumbled with to allow Komori Joshua to score from a rebound to make it 2-1.
The win moved Nkumba University to second position with 7 points, one behind the table leaders, IUIU. Busitema moved to third with six points.
The league shall continue tomorrow in Bugema where Bugema University shall be hosting Kampala International University.
Nkumba University lineup: Nabomba Calvin (GK),Lubega Ismael, Makasa Henry, Nabaasa James, Bamanya Derrick, Bwiruka Solomon, Acram Juma, Ssewankambo Kennedy, Kagimu Marvin, Komori Joshua.
Substitutes: Okiringi Samuel, Nsubuga Joel, Ochwo Silver, Kiyemba Fahad, Opiyo Reagan, Kalungi Jerry, John Mwesigwa.
Coach: Dr. Sulaiman Bbosa.
Busitema University lineup: Ongu Emmanuel (GK),Opi Asite Edwine, Kyenyi Abdallah, Appa Jonah, Weshwala David, Ssali Lawrence, Awasi Emmanuel, Opio Gabriel, Dinya Joseph, Owino Shanon,Waduma Derrick.
Substitutes: Kasimizi Maxwell, Oola Gerald, Rubangken Ali, Otim Innocent, Abdul Salam.
Coach: David Sirama
