- Nkumba 0-0 IUIU
- Busitema 1-4 ISBAT
For seven long years, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) had waited for a moment like this.
And on Wednesday evening in Nkumba, it finally arrived. A resilient defensive display saw them hold Nkumba University to a goalless stalemate, securing their long-awaited spot in the Pepsi University Football League quarterfinals.
From the first whistle, Nkumba University, playing at home, showed intent and aggression. Within ten minutes, Emmanuel Shikanga delivered a pinpoint cross, but Nkumba’s goalkeeper, Obwana John Andrew, gathered it calmly.
Nkumba’s high press and quick transitions nearly paid off seven minutes later when Marvin Kagimu sent a through ball down the left to Mukiibi Saad setting up Joshua Kamori whose attempt at an unconventional finish almost crept over the line.
IUIU responded through Mumali Faisal, who tested Obwana in the 22nd minute, though his shot lacked the power to trouble the keeper. Six minutes later, Lubega Ismael delivered a dangerous cross to Kamori, whose header went wide.
As the half-hour mark passed, neither team had managed a shot on target, but the intensity remained high. Onongo’s curling free-kick in the 35th minute found Tambula Ismael*, but his header flew over the bar.
Minutes before halftime, Tambula combined well with Shikanga, but the latter’s cross was cleared, ensuring the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
The second half saw Musasizi Sadat, IUIU’s goalkeeper, produce a moment of brilliance, denying Lubega Ismael with a stunning acrobatic save.
Thirteen minutes into the restart, Marvin Kagimu rose highest to meet Lubega’s corner, but his header sailed wide. IUIU, despite soaking up wave after wave of Nkumba attacks, held firm.
With twenty minutes to play, Tamubula Ismael came close with a powerful shot from 20 yards, but it whistled past the post. The home side continued to press, but Musasizi stood tall, pulling off another crucial save in the 80th minute to deny Lubega’s free-kick.
Nkumba Uni piled on the pressure, with Kamori and Kagimu getting chances, but IUIU threw bodies in front of every shot, blocking, clearing, and frustrating the home team.
As the final whistle blew, IUIU’s players erupted in celebration, not for the draw, but for what it meant. After seven years of heartbreak, they were finally in the quarterfinals.
In the other group A fixture, ISBAT University produced a stunning comeback, rallying from a goal down to thrash Busitema University 4-1.
Goals from Ssentongo Joshua, Kalema Ashiraf, Jogolo Yahaya, and Katende Bahiira sealed the victory, with Dinya Joseph netting Busitema’s consolation goal.
