The 2024/2025 University Football League season kicked off on Tuesday with a thrilling 1-1 draw between Uganda Christian University (UCU) and St. Lawrence University (SLAU). Both teams are eager to redeem themselves after disappointing finishes in the previous season.
UCU, the 2019 champions, were defeated 3-1 by Nkumba University in the final last year. SLAU, on the other hand, was disqualified due to fielding ineligible players.
The match saw an evenly contested battle, with UCU’s Harry Abiti opening the scoring for the hosts in the 30th minute through a direct free kick. SLAU responded quickly through Ronnie Ziraba, leveling the score just three minutes later.
Both captains, David Lukisi Balondemu of SLAU and Elton Mwidu of UCU, expressed satisfaction with the result. Balondemu praised his team’s effort and attributed their success to divine intervention, especially considering the number of new players in the squad.
Mwidu acknowledged UCU’s mistakes but emphasized the importance of starting the season with a point which they will hope to build on going ionto their second match, away from home.
UCU and SLAU are in Group C alongside Kabaale University and YMCA in season 12 of the University Football League.
How both teams lined up
UCU Starting eleven:
- Elton Mwidu (GK)©,Haruna Nyanzi, Patrick Ogora , Isaac Apenjo,Jodern Ariaka, Marvin Praise Wabunga, Sharif Ssewanyana, Peter Kyomuhendo, Geoffrey Oyuka, Opio Allan, Harry Abiti , Abel Obura.
- Subs – Norman Rukaari, Solomon Maiso, Joshua Achidri, Douglas Higaye, Titus Katamba, Majibu Bananywa.
- Coach: Jimmy Kintu
St Lawrence University starting eleven:
- Patrick Mubiru (GK) , Abdul Kavuma, Derrick Kato, Ivan Ssentonga, Michael Kayongo, David Lukisi Balondemu ©, Vincent Agaku, Osman Arafat Kembo, Henry Kayemba, Ronnie Ziraba, Innocent Matege.
- Subs Shawal Olul, Rajab Ssemakula ,Joshua Ojok, Derrick Munanira , Julius Kalanda, Emmanuel Kabolera, Lawrence Mugerwa.
- Coach: Davis Nnono Ssozi
Photo Credit: Voice of Bugerere
