By: Kayiira Jackson
The 2019 champions, Uganda Christian University bounced back in qualification discussion after securing a 2-1 hard-fought victoria against resilient YMCA Comprehensive Institute.
The Cardinals needed to come from a goal down to register a 2-1 win in an epic encounter honoured on chilly Monday at UCU Mukono playground.
Abit Harry and Ogola Patrick goals were enough to bring UCU back to life, cancelling Kanaabi Hakim’s early strike for YMCA.
YMCA who also wanted to get at least a point from Mukono to keep themselves in qualification talks got a lead after two minutes of play with Kanaabi Hakim striking at the near post.
YMCA scoring first against the hosts was like striking a stone in a swarm of bees, Jimmy Kintu boys using both flanks attacked the visitors minus giving them space for cooling break, Abit Harry missed twice in the process before leveling the matters in the 27th minute with a simple header, thanks to Oyaka Geoffrey cross from the left flank.
Three minutes later, UCU won the penalty for handball punishment, Ogola Patrick converted from the spot and earned the hosts a lead.
The encounter was a full action packed with all the ingredients for the entire 90 minutes.
In the last 45 minutes, YMCA tried to level the matters but UCU’s backline was hugely stable not to concede again.
Kyomuhendo Peter went for the third for UCU but Isabirye Peter was very excellent to make a double save to keep the game at the same status.
UCU was the most incredible side in the group this second round, winning two matches 5-1, 2-1 against Kabale and YMCA respectively.
The side that finished at the bottom of the table with only two points in the first round, it’s now topping Group C with eight points.
YMCA chances to qualify to the knockout stage are over even if they beat Kabale University in their last fixture which is at home, they can’t beat St Lawrence who have 7 points and UCU who has 8 points. YMCA currently sit bottom with five points.
The encounter between St. Lawrence and UCU set to be hosted at Kavule will decide who will represent Group C at the quarter finals.
The league shall continue on Tuesday when Kumi University will be hosting Victoria University.
UCU lineup- Mwidu David Elton (GK)©, Apenyo Isaac,Ogola Patrick,Wambuga Marvin,Ssewanyana Sharif,Kisembo Ivan,Kyomuhendo Peter,Ariaka Jordan,Abiti Harry,Oyaka Geoffrey,Opio Allan Joreem.
Substitutes – Rukari Norman,Bananywa Najib,Nyanzi Haruna,Obura Abel, Ogenrwot Francis.
Coach: Kintu Jimmy
YMCA Comprehensive – Isabirye Peter (GK),Muwanga Sharif,Wasswa Jessy Kalumba,Chandiga Ibrah,Musigyi Joshua,Ndugu John,Lugya Ashraf,Kaganzi Banton,Kiwanuka Pablo,Kanaabi Hakim,Kiseka John.
Substitutes – Abaasi Mbalule, Wasswa Farouk, Timothy Kakaire,Jaufar Isa Kakumba,Mutebi Jordan.
Coach: Sebwato Vicent.
