Arafat Kembo fires St. Lawrence University into UFL quarterfinals
Needing a win to advance, SLAU faced an early setback when UCU, who only required a draw, took the lead just before halftime through Haruna Nyanzi.
File photo
Yekoyada Saaka
Journalist @New Vision
Pepsi University Football League
Results
SLAU 2 UCU 1
YMCA 2 Kabale 0
Nkumba 0 IUIU 0
Busitema 1 ISBAT 4
Forward Arafat Kembo was the hero for St. Lawrence University (SLAU) on Thursday, scoring the winning goal in the 70th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over UCU at Kavule Grounds in Mpigi, propelling SLAU into the Pepsi University Football League quarterfinals.
Needing a win to advance, SLAU faced an early setback when UCU, who only required a draw, took the lead just before halftime through Haruna Nyanzi. The goal silenced the home crowd as UCU, topping Group A with a one-point advantage, seemed poised to progress.
SLAU came out stronger in the second half, pressing for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when UCU’s Marvin Wambuga handled the ball in the box, conceding a penalty. Lawrence Mugerwa calmly converted the spot-kick in the 63rd minute to level the score.
Seven minutes later, Kembo struck the decisive blow, finishing a cross from Ronnie Ziraba to give SLAU the lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among SLAU fans, while UCU was left reeling.
UCU fought back fiercely in the closing stages, with Patrick Mubiru making crucial saves to deny Nyanzi, Jordan Ariaka, Harry Abiti, and Peter Kyomuhendo. Despite the pressure, SLAU held on to secure their place in the quarterfinals, eliminating last season’s runners-up, UCU.
In another Group A match, IUIU held defending champions Nkumba University to a goalless draw in Entebbe, advancing as group leaders. Nkumba, now on 11 points, must wait to see if they qualify as one of the best second-placed teams. Their fate depends on Friday’s clash between Victoria University and Makerere at Hamz Stadium. A win for Makerere by more than two goals would see them edge out Nkumba, despite the latter’s superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Ndejje University will face Kumi University in a decisive match. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, while a draw would see both Makerere and Nkumba progress instead.