- University Football League | QF 2nd Leg
- Ndejje (1) 0-0 (2) SLAU
On a chilly Wednesday evening in Ndejje, St. Lawrence University (SLAU) fought their way into the University Football League semifinals after a tense goalless draw against Ndejje University.
The hard-earned result secured their place in the last four, joining Uganda Martyrs University who edged Nkumba on aggregate.
Right from the start, SLAU showed their attacking intent. Just ten minutes in, Ziraba Ronnie set up Kembo Osuman for a powerful effort, only for Ndejje’s goalkeeper Ocen Fred to make a crucial save. Minutes later, Ziraba and Matege Innocent combined beautifully in the final third, but the latter’s shot was blocked.
Both teams kept pushing for the opener, with Ndejje’s Ebasu threading a pass to Mutaka Joseph, who dragged his effort just wide in the 22nd minute. As the half progressed, SLAU’s Matege outmuscled his marker and drove into the box in the 38th minute, but Ocen stood firm once again. The first half ended with Masinde Brighton firing just wide after a dangerous cross from Mutaka.
After the restart, SLAU continued to probe. Ten minutes into the second half, Kembo latched onto Ziraba’s diagonal ball but fired over the bar. Seven minutes past the hour mark, Olupot forced Mohammed Kateete into a save from an Okello Ivan cross, with Hashakimana sending the rebound wide.
The visitors nearly snatched a winner in the 78th minute when Matege’s precise cross found Kembo in the box, but his strike missed the target. With six minutes left, Ndejje won possession high up the pitch, allowing Okello Ivan to unleash a half-volley that forced another fine stop from Kateete.
Despite both sides creating multiple chances, the match ended goalless, with SLAU progressing on aggregate. They join now Uganda Martyrs and await their semifinal opponents as the first match between Bugema and Muteesa remains undecided.
University football action continues tomorrow as Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) hosts Kampala University in Mbale, promising yet another thrilling encounter after the First leg finished 1-1 in Nsambya.
