- University Football League | QF -2nd Leg
- Uganda Martys (4)2-2(3) Nkumba
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) sealed their place in the semifinals of the University Football League after holding defending champions Nkumba University to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the quarterfinal return leg.
With a 4-3 aggregate victory, UMU avenged last season’s heartbreaking semifinal elimination by Nkumba, making this triumph even sweeter.
UMU couldn’t have asked for a better start, striking within 72 seconds of kickoff. Joseph Kayondo was instrumental throughout the game, delivering a pinpoint ball that Patrick Mutebi expertly finished to put UMU ahead.
But Nkumba, determined to defend their title, responded swiftly with Abbey Kavuma’s equalizer, setting the stage for a high-intensity battle.
Kayondo continued to pull the strings, providing a perfectly placed corner for Sunny Kaija to head home and restore UMU’s lead at 2-1. However, Nkumba showed why they were champions, leveling again through Bruhani Tasumba whose stunning strike earned admiration from both sets of fans.
With Nkumba needing just one more goal to advance on away goals, UMU’s defense was put to the ultimate test. Under immense pressure, they held firm, showing incredible resilience to protect their lead. The final whistle confirmed their hard-fought progression, securing revenge and a spot in the semifinals.
With their semifinal ticket secured, UMU will now turn their focus to the next challenge, carrying the confidence of this hard-earned victory.
Meanwhile, attention shifts to tomorrow’s quarterfinal showdown between St. Lawrence (SLAU) and Ndejje University, where SLAU will aim to defend their narrow 2-1 first-leg advantage.
