Despite a Uganda Christian University (UCU) 1-0 victory over Uganda Martyrs (UMU) in the first leg of the 2022 Pepsi University Football League semi-finals, the tie is still open for the taking for either team.
The Mukono side needed Isaac Ofoyrwoth‘s goal to take the Thursday victory on home turf, but will still need to play at their best if they are to eliminate a good UMU team.
Ofoyrwoth took advantage of a defensive mix-up in the box, to strike a loose ball in the back of the net, as UMU’s Joseph Kayondo misjudged an aerial ball.
In the second half, there were hideous scenes as goal-scorer Ofoyrwoth lost his cool and retaliated against UMU’s defender Kennedy Kasozi and the center referee showed the former a straight red card.
UCU’s Lubega Sharif nearly scored into his own net as he tried to clear Masudi Kafumbe’s delivery but custodian Colins Wesonga was alert.
Moments later, UCU skipper Geoffrey Gaganga was left with just the goalkeeper to score, but UMU goalkeeper Sadam Okoboi pulled off a stunning save.
With two minutes to play, Kasozi was as well controversially dismissed after a clash with Rodgers Kukundakwe in an aerial challenge.
The two sides meet again on Thursday, October 27 at Nkozi in the second leg.
How they lined up
UCU XI: Collins Wesonga (Gk), Sharif Lubega, Rodgers Kukundakwe, Godfrey Aritole, Solomon Maiso, Opio Allan Jerom, Geoffrey Gaganga, Francis Jurua, Enock Ssekandi, Isaac Ofoyrwoth, Emmanuel Anguzu
UMU XI: Sadam Okobi(GK), Joseph Kayondo, Robert Kitabalwa, Henry Tumusiime, Vicent Masumbuko, Valentino Odoi, Ivan Agamire, Masudi Kafumbe, Raymond Othieno, Akbal Ssentongo, Sunny Kaija
Photo credit: Voice of Bugerere, John Batanudde
