Muteesa I Royal University sealed their spot in the University Football League (UFL) quarterfinals after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in a tense Group F encounter in Mbarara on Friday evening.
MUST took the lead late in the first half when Marvin Ssebagala coolly finished off an Ayebare Kevin assist to put the hosts ahead.
They nearly doubled their lead just before halftime, but Atuhire Emmanuel’s close-range effort was well blocked by Muteesa’s defense, keeping the score at 1-0 heading into the break.
Muteesa responded immediately after the restart, earning a penalty just two minutes into the second half when Ayebare Kevin brought down Busuulwa Patrick in the box.
Lutwama Ali confidently converted from the spot to level the game.
The visitors continued to press for a winner, with Lutwama and Mubiru testing MUST’s goalkeeper Mugisha, who was forced into crucial saves.
MUST had their own chance to reclaim the lead with ten minutes left, but Ainemugisha fired over the bar after being played through by Atuhire.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Akaya Busuulwa delivered a dramatic last-minute winner in added time, meeting Kakeeto Mansour’s pass to seal the victory for Muteesa.
The result saw Muteesa stretch their lead at the top of Group F with nine points, five ahead of MUBS, securing their place in the quarterfinals, joining Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi.
MUST remained at the bottom with just a single point, ending their campaign in disappointment.
