By: Kayiira Jackson
The two time Pepsi University Football League champions, Kampala University needed to win the last group fixture against rivals Kampala International University to propel to quarter finals for the second consecutive time.
The Ggaba boys beat KIU 2-1 in an end to end encounter that was hosted on Tuesday at Yes Centre Arena in Nsambya.
Kimera Joseph and Wanume Gilbert strikes were enough for the Vicent Tumusiime boys to finish the job despite the fact that Mpiima Kenneth had a consolation for the hosts.
To kill off the game and have less pressure on the day, the Ggaba boys came with a strategy to have quick goals which worked for them and in the first eight minutes, they had already recorded two goals to be in a comfortable position.
Kimera Joseph first handed Kampala University a lead in the 3rd minute with a free header, thanks to Mulwana Joel who had a good cross from the right flank.
Five minutes late, again Mulwana had a cut back, that found Kimera in a good position to have his brace of the day but denied by Amoni Eddy, KIU’s custodian who pulled out a classic save but his defenders let him down, Wanume Gilbert picked up a rebound to score with a half volley to make it it two for the the visitors.
The twin forwards of Flying Eagles, Wanume Gilbert and Kimera had more two chances before the halftime break to completely kill off the game with the third strike but all their efforts were off target.
Muhwezi and Isaac Musasizi for KIU also had chances to make some difference but KU’s backline looked very solid in the opening 45 minutes.
In the last stanza, the hosts returned with a unique football, very unmatched by KU and almost Akabwai boys enjoyed the possession to the final whistle with KU on the receiving end.
Their efforts to press hard eventually in the 76th minute yielded a goal and substitute, Mpiima Kenneth had a consolation from the rebound.
And on two occasions, KIU had chances to level the matters but were shy before the goal mouth.
The result left KIU on the bottom of the table with only one point in six matches, KU propelled to quarter finals as the best second placed side with 12 points.
The Group D leaders, Bugema University were held at home by Gulu University in a one all draw in the match played on the same day in Bugema.
The hosts first took the lead in the 6th minute with Kimuli Denis strike but ten minutes later, the visitors leveled the matters through Busheta Majid.
Bugema finished as table leaders with 13 points.
Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala University, Bugema University and Muteesa I Royal University have qualified to quarter final stage.
KIU lineup– Amoni Eddy (GK), Mark Lou, Aaron Lomoch, Santos Turyasasira, Okiror Emma, Ogwal Oscar, Emonjong Augustine, Patrick Ssekandi, Anselm Talemwa, Nelson Muhwezi, Isaac Musasizi.
Substitutes – Jjumba Brian, Acedia Nathan, Doka Arafat, Mpiima Kenneth, Gerald Ndabirawa, Zziwa Shafic, Samuel Gwali.
Coach – Akabwa Geoffrey.
Kampala University lineup – Ozelle Brian (GK),Mulwana Joel, Ssembatya Sharif, Nsubuga Benjamin ©, Owawu Simon Peter, Kiziiri Mark, Ndase Tony, Kimera Joseph, Azabo Kevin, Ismael Ali, Wanume Gilbert.
Substitutes – Ssekamanya Badru, Okema David, Ebong Mark, Kisa Yosia, Semutai Daniel, Mulamba Abbey, Owori Joseph.
Coach: Vicent Tumusiime
