How YMCA defeated KU to reach their first UFL final

Pepsi University Football League 

Semifinals 
Return Leg 
YMCA 0 KU 0, agg (0-0)
YMCA wins 6-5 on penalties 

Thursday 
SLAU v Muteesa, agg (0-0)

YMCA Comprehensive Institute produced a stunning upset to reach the final of the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) for the first time in their history, eliminating two-time champions Kampala University (KU) 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Buwambo, Wakiso District on Tuesday.

The semifinal tie had ended goalless over both legs, forcing the contest into a tense shootout after 180 minutes of deadlock.

Goalkeeper Kelvin Ssenabulya emerged as the hero for YMCA, delivering a decisive performance when it mattered most.

He not only saved a crucial penalty but also calmly stepped up to convert his own spot-kick.

KU appeared on the brink of victory, leading the shootout and just one kick away from sealing qualification.

However, Ssenabulya denied Gideon Nsubuga from the spot before confidently converting to level the scores at 4-4, sending the shootout into sudden death.

The shot-stopper had earlier made a series of vital saves during normal time to keep YMCA in contention.

In the shootout, YMCA found the net through John Kiseka, Ashraf Lugya, Jordan Mutebi, Jude Asiku, Ssenabulya, and Trevor Makubuya, whose penalty ultimately proved decisive.

Amos Makila was the only YMCA player to miss, his penalty saved by KU goalkeeper Muhammad Ogera.

For KU, Benjamin Nsubuga, Raymond Kiweewa, Joseph Kimera, Kevin Azabo, and Davis Okema converted their penalties, while Marvin Onea and Gideon Nsubuga failed to score.

Speaking after the match, Ssenabulya expressed pride in his team’s achievement and belief in their title chances.

“I am so happy to have helped my team reach the final. We have worked hard together to get here. Many people saw us as underdogs, but we have beaten everyone who stood in our way. Now we are determined to win the trophy,” he said.

It has been a remarkable campaign for YMCA under coach Francisco Ejuku, who has guided the team to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and now the final for the first time in the institution’s history.

YMCA had earlier topped a competitive group that included former champions Kyambogo University and Nkumba University, both of whom failed to progress to the knockout stages.

Scenes of jubilation followed the victory, with YMCA fans storming the pitch after Makubuya’s winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations that carried on late into the night.

Meanwhile, semifinal action continues on Thursday as St Lawrence University (SLAU) host Muteesa I Royal University in the return leg at Crown City Campus Grounds in Kavule, Mpigi District.