Clinical Muteesa outclass SLAU to reach maiden UFL final

Pepsi University Football League 

Semifinals 
Thursday 
SLAU 1 Muteesa 3
Final 
YMCA v Muteesa 

Muteesa 1 Royal University delivered one of the biggest upsets in recent Pepsi University Football League (UFL) history, knocking out favourites St Lawrence University (SLAU) to reach their first-ever final.

The Masaka-based outfit sealed a deserved 3-1 aggregate victory after an impressive display in the return leg played on Tuesday at Crown City Campus Grounds in Kavule, Mpigi District.

With the tie delicately poised following a goalless draw in the first leg, Muteesa arrived in Kavule knowing they had to score and win against a side widely tipped to go all the way this season.They wasted no time in asserting themselves.

Eric Katende broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, striking a powerful left-footed effort past goalkeeper Mohamed Kateete to hand the visitors a crucial lead.

SLAU responded almost instantly. Just four minutes later, Collin Ssemanda stepped up to curl home a well-taken free kick, restoring parity and lifting the home crowd as hopes of progression were reignited.

But Muteesa showed remarkable composure. Their captain, Ali Lutwama, produced a moment of quality, bending in a superb free kick to restore the lead and tilt the tie back in their favour before the break.

The hosts pressed for another equaliser in the closing stages of the first half, but Muteesa remained resolute at the back and went into halftime with a narrow but important advantage.

After the restart, SLAU returned with intent, pushing forward in search of a way back into the contest.

However, Muteesa’s organisation and discipline frustrated their opponents, as they stuck to their tactical plan and limited clear-cut chances.

The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute. Goalkeeper Kateete failed to deal cleanly with a shot, parrying the ball into the path of Bryan Rwothomio, who reacted quickest to slot home and extend Muteesa’s lead, effectively putting the tie beyond reach.

With a two-goal cushion, Muteesa grew in confidence, controlling the tempo and even threatening to add to their tally as SLAU struggled to recover.

At full-time, scenes of jubilation followed as Muteesa players and their travelling supporters celebrated wildly on the pitch, marking a landmark victory for the institution.

For SLAU, it was another painful chapter. Having previously lost three finals, they had entered the tie as favourites, especially after securing a positive result away in Masaka. Expectations were high that they would complete the job at home, but they were undone by a determined and clinical Muteesa side.

The final whistle was met with contrasting emotions, as SLAU players and fans were left devastated, some breaking down in tears after seeing a golden opportunity slip away once again.

Muteesa will now turn their attention to the final, where they will face YMCA Comprehensive Institute on May 2 at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Like Muteesa, YMCA are also debut finalists, having edged two-time champions Kampala University 6-5 in a penalty shootout, setting the stage for a historic final between two sides chasing their first-ever UFL crown.