- University Football League – Semifinal | First-Leg
- Uganda Martyrs 2-0 Bugema
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) took a firm step toward the semifinals of the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) with a commanding 2-0 victory over Bugema University in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash, played on Tuesday evening in Nkozi.
In front of a spirited home crowd, the Saints left it late but delivered when it mattered, scoring twice in the second half to give themselves a cushion heading into what promises to be a tense return leg in Bugema on April 15th.
From the onset, UMU looked determined to set the tone. Just ten minutes into the match, Kidega Godfrey nearly opened the scoring, but his close-range effort flew just wide of the target. In a déjà vu moment five minutes later, Kidega again came close, only to be denied by inches.
Despite Uganda Martyrs’ early dominance and multiple dangerous attacks, Bugema’s Hornets showed grit and organization in defense.
By the 25th minute, the visitors had absorbed waves of pressure but stood firm, frustrating the hosts with timely clearances including a vital intervention from Kagoda Charles who cleared a threatening cross from Agamile Ivan before it could find Jjonga Nicholas in the box.
Bugema goalkeeper Kalungi Ronald ensured his side went into the break level, making a sharp low save from Kidega following a swift counterattack just before halftime.
The deadlock was finally broken six minutes after the restart. Midfielder Tumusiime Emmanuel unleashed a brilliant long-range strike that left Kalungi with no chance and sent the home crowd into wild celebration.
UMU smelled blood and continued to press. On the hour mark Lagu Richard came close to doubling the lead, narrowly slicing his effort wide after a clever ball in behind from Kayondo.
As time wore on, Bugema were forced to defend deeper, facing a flurry of crosses from the home side. Their resistance eventually cracked again, five minutes from time.
This time, Lagu got his goal, calmly finishing to seal a deserved two-goal lead and give UMU a vital edge ahead of the return leg.
The win places Uganda Martyrs in a favorable position but the tie is far from over. Bugema will look to bounce back on home turf in the return leg next week as they aim to overturn the deficit.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to the second leg between St Lawrence University (SLAU) and Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) at Kavule on April 10th, with SLAU holding a narrow 1-1 away goals rule advantage.
