Overview:
There will be a lot to play for as Uganda Marytrs University and Nkumba University square up during the return leg at Nkozi in a fortnight.
University Football League (UFL) 2023-2024:
- Nkumba University 1-1 Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
The spoils were shared between Nkumba University and Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi in a 1-all stalemate during the first quarter-final leg of the 2023-2024 University Football League on Wednesday, 28th February 2024 in Nkumba, Wakiso district.
The hosts took the early lead through Isma Lubega inside the opening five minutes of the game well contested to ignite excitement and smiles from the home fans.
UMU’s effort to equalize and neutralize the game were frustrated by the rock solid defending from Nkumba University as the opening stanza ended 1-0.
Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi returned energized for the subsequent half, equalizing through a glancing header from Akibaru Ssentongo off an inviting corner kick.
Both sides remained soul searching although no break-through was far-fetched with no further goals.
There will be a lot to play for as these two teams square up in the return leg at Nkozi in a fortnight.
The two tacticians Sulaiman Bbosa (Nkumba University) and Eric Kisuze (Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi) will return to the face drawing board strategy to seek qualification for the treasured semi-finals.
“We got the early goal which was our advantage. We however relaxed and conceded at the start of the second half. That is all football. We shall approach the return leg with caution” Dr Bbosa stated.
His counterpart Kisuze was full of praise for the fighting spirit from his players and believes they will qualify to the semi-finals.
“When you fall down so early in the game, it kills momentum. However, it was a great spirit of fighting as we came back strong and solid in the second half. We would also have won the game. The return leg at home will now be decisive and we have to be ready” Kisuze remarked.
Meanwhile, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosts Makerere University in the return leg of the quarter finals at Mukono on Thursday, 29th February 2024.
Makerere University won the first leg 2-1 in a duel that was played over two days following a forced postponment because of heavy rains on the first day.
That said, the game was first played for 33 minutes before the continuation on the subsequent day.
This league does not permit players who feature in the second division league (betPawa FUFA Big League) and first division (StarTimes Uganda Premier League).
