Uganda Martyrs University and Bugema University shared spoils (1-1), in the first leg of the 2022 University Football League on Tuesday, but the former is raving to come with force at home in the second.
Dennis Kimuli gave the hosts the lead in the 12th minute from the penalty spot, which was cancelled out by Sunny Kaija at the hour mark.
UMU’s head coach Eric Kisuze praised his players for fighting back to salvage a point ahead of the second leg which they will host in a territory, where they have won all their games so far this season.
“A draw was a positive result given that we played away from home and against a tough opponent,” Kisuze said in his post-match reaction.
“We conceded an early goal from a penalty and a tricky first half all through but we managed to find an equalizer in the second half which was important.”
“We did not lose the game and we managed to score an away goal upon which we shall build in the second leg.”
“There is also something special about our home because we have won all our games at home and I would like that run to continue,” Kisuze noted.
To qualify for the quarterfinals, UMU gathered 12 points on top of Group E after winning four games and losing two – all their four wins were at home.
On the other hand, Bugema’s head coach Medhi Nyanzi noted that failure to win the game has put them in a difficult situation as they prepare to visit UMU in a fortnight.
“Unfortunately, we have not won but our plan was straightforward, we wanted the three points,” Nyanzi said after the game.
“We had control over the game but I think it is the inexperience that cost us. We have to accept the result and prepare ourselves for a tough game away from home.”
“I know it is going to be a very difficult game for us but it is a do or die and we have to go all out and try to win,” he added.
The two teams were meeting for only the second time because their first ever fixture was a third-place playoff in 2019 that was won by Bugema.
Photo credit: University League Media
