5th University Beach Soccer Championship:
Finals: Nkumba University 7-4 YMCA
Semi-Finals:
Nkumba 7-3 MUBS
YMCA 5-2 St Lawrence
Nkumba University won their first ever National University Beach Soccer Championship on Sunday at Lido Beach in Entebbe.
The Entebbe based institution who were last year’s losing finalists, this time round overcame YMCA 7-4 in a one sided final.
John Kokas Opejo, who turns out for Bright Stars in the Uganda Premier League single handedly led the assault with four goals to his name.
Team skipper and Uganda Sand Cranes deputy captain, Douglas Muganga notched a hat-trick.
Team inspection by Uganda Universities sports body president, Peninah Kabenge
Another Sand Cranes player, Ambrose Naturinda, scored a hat-trick for YMCA before Jonathan Kikonyogo was unfortunate with an own goal.
SC Villa goal keeper, Ashadu Bugembe who was playing for YMCA was red carded for the indecent act of pulling opponent players’ private parts.
“We are excited for this victory. Team work and belief has driven the team thus far” an excited Nkumba University’s head coach, Issa Assimwe told the media.
Gravity Omutujju thrilled with a performance before the finals
Before that, Nkumba had edged favorites and two time winners, MUBS 7-3 at the semi finals.
Douglas Muganga and Roch Somoka each scored a hat-trick before Opejo’s last minute stunner nailed MUBS.
Herbert Odipio, a player with BUL F.C in the Uganda Premier League scored a hat-trick for MUBS.
Somoka was red carded for violent conduct as the game neared its climax.
The other semi-final witnessed YMCA overcame St Lawrence University. Ashadu Bugembe and Rogers Ogom each had a brace before skipper Ambrose Naturinda scored the other.
Baker Lukooya’s double was a mere consolation.
Ashadu Bugembe shoots at the opposition goal
Nine Institutions took part in the two day event.
Uganda Universities sports president, Peninah Kabenge was the chief guest and she gave out the medals and awards.
Ambrose Naturinda was named Most Valuable Player, St Lawrence University Brian Nkuubi, a player with Vipers Sports Club in the league finished top scorer (with 8 goals) and Joseph Yiga, a goal keeper with Nkumba University was best goal keeper of the tournament.
Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) president, Deo Mutabaazi believes the tournament is growing in organization and stature each passing year.
This was the 5th year of having the university beach soccer championship. It is good the tournament continues to progress for the better. I thank pepsi and Lido beach management for supporting the championship and UBSA in particular.
Awards:
Champions: Nkumba University (Trophy and Gold Medals)
1st Runners Up: YMCA (Silver Medals)
2nd Runners Up: MUBS (Bronze Medals)
Top Scorer: Brian Nkuubi (MUBS) – 8 Goals (Beach Soccer Ball & T-shirt)
MVP – Ambrose Naturinda (YMCA) – Beach Soccer Ball & T-Shirt
Best Goal Keeper – Joseph Yiga (Nkumba University) – Beach Soccer Ball & T-Shirt
All Winners:
2011 – Multitec
2012 – Lawrence University
2013 – MUBS
2014 – MUBS
2015 – Nkumba University
