Kavuma’s penalty fires Nkumba to first UFL win over ISBAT
Buoyed by a passionate home crowd, Nkumba came out strongly, eager to bounce back from their 1-0 opening-day defeat away to YMCA in Buwambo.
Nkumba University defender clears the ball in the game against ISBAT in Nkumba. PHOTOS: Johnson Were
Pepsi University Football League (UFL)
Friday Result
Nkumba 1 ISBAT 0
Saturday, 3pm
Ndejje v Kumi
Sunday, 3pm
African Renewal v Kabale
Abbey Kavuma’s 14th-minute penalty proved decisive as Nkumba University secured their first victory of the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) campaign, edging ISBAT University 1-0 on Friday at the Nkumba main pitch in Entebbe.
Buoyed by a passionate home crowd, Nkumba came out strongly, eager to bounce back from their 1-0 opening-day defeat away to YMCA in Buwambo. The hosts dominated the early exchanges but were repeatedly denied by ISBAT’s inspired goalkeeper, Eric Lubandi, who pulled off several crucial saves to keep his side in contention.
ISBAT University's Jordan Chandia (4) challenge's Nkumba's Ashraf Musisi (3) during the UFL game in Nkumba on Friday
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when defender Allan Onekgiu brought down Kavuma inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Kavuma calmly converted from the spot, sending Lubandi the wrong way and igniting wild celebrations among the Nkumba fans.
ISBAT responded positively after conceding, pressing for an equaliser but failing to make their chances count. Forwards Daniel Akantambira, Francis Jaryeko, and Bahirah Katende all came close but lacked the finishing touch to beat Nkumba custodian Ronald Kazibwe.
The game remained an entertaining end-to-end affair, with both sides creating scoring opportunities but failing to convert them. Nkumba, who enjoyed more possession, could have extended their lead, but Kavuma, Rashid Kamya, and Nasser Mwebe were all guilty of missing clear chances.
Despite the defeat, ISBAT’s goalkeeper Lubandi stood out as one of the best performers on the day, making a series of fine saves in the closing stages to prevent further damage.
When the final whistle blew, it was joy for Nkumba’s fans and players, who celebrated their first win of the season, while ISBAT’s camp was left dejected after a second straight loss.
Nkumba University students watching the game against ISBAT
The result dented ISBAT’s hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals, having already suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kyambogo University on matchday one.
Following Friday’s action, Kyambogo lead Group C with six points from two games, followed by YMCA and Nkumba on three points apiece. Soroti University and Busitema University sit on one point each, while ISBAT remain bottom without a point.
This season’s new UFL format allows only the group winner to advance to the quarterfinals, with the home-and-away system scrapped which makes every match crucial.
Action continues on Saturday in Group E as Ndejje University seek a second consecutive win when they host Kumi University in Luwero.
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi are the reigning champions, having defeated St. Lawrence University (SLAU) 3-0 in last season’s final.