University Football League | Tuesday Result
- Muteesa 1 Royal 1-1 Bugema
In a thrilling quarterfinal first leg of the University Football League, Nyenje Abdul’s late header salvaged a 1-1 draw for Bugema University against Muteesa I Royal University in Masaka on Tuesday, March 18.
The hosts took an early lead in the 23rd minute through Busuulwa Akaya, who unleashed a powerful strike into the top right corner, leaving Bugema’s goalkeeper with no chance. Muteesa continued to press forward, with Busuulwa proving a constant threat, but Bugema’s defence held firm to prevent further damage.
Bugema had their chances to equalize, with Opio Azizi showing great footwork early on and Nuwatuha heading just over the bar in the second half.
The visitors increased their intensity as the game progressed, but Muteesa’s Mugerwa Fred stood tall, making crucial saves, first denying Jjombwe Arthur’s powerful strike and then rescuing his side from a defensive mix-up.
Muteesa, having spent most of the second half defending their slim lead, finally cracked in the 80th minute. Nyenje Abdul rose above the defence to meet a well-delivered cross, directing his header into the back of the net to level the game.
With the tie now evenly poised at 1-1, both teams will turn their attention to the second leg, set to take place at Bugema on Monday, March 24.
Meanwhile, quarterfinal action continues on Wednesday as Nkumba University hosts Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi.
