Komori inspires Nkumba to dramatic 2-1 win over Busitema in UFL thriller

Pepsi University Football League

Tuesday Result

Nkumba 2 Busitema 1

Wednesday,3pm

Bugema v KIU

Thursday,4pm

UCU v Kabale

Live on Bukedde TV2 and Wan Luo TV

Joshua Komori inspired defending champions Nkumba University to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Busitema University in a thrilling Pepsi University Football League Group A match on Tuesday in Entebbe. The win significantly boosted Nkumba’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals this season.

Komori sealed the dramatic win in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a costly error by Busitema goalkeeper Emmanuel Ongu, who fumbled a free kick from Bruhani Tasumba. Komori tapped the loose ball into the net, sending the home fans into wild celebrations.

Nkumba players join their colleague Joshua Komori to celebrate a goal

Earlier, Komori had won a penalty in the 12th minute, which captain Kennedy Ssewankambo converted to level the score after Joseph Dinya had given Busitema an early lead in the second minute.

The first half ended 1-1, and Busitema returned for the second half with renewed determination to hold onto their point. They largely contained Nkumba’s attacks, but the introduction of winger Silver Ochwo in place of Solomon Bwiruha injected fresh energy into Nkumba’s offense.

Ochwo caused problems for Busitema’s defense, but the visitors held firm until Ongu’s late mistake proved decisive. It was Ochwo who won the free kick in the 79th minute that ultimately led to Komori’s winning goal.

Both teams entered the match desperate for three points to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Nkumba, who started the day in third place with four points, needed a win to stay in contention. With the victory, they climbed to second place in Group A with seven points, just one behind leaders IUIU, who have eight points from four matches. Busitema dropped to third with six points, while ISBAT remains at the bottom with one point and is already eliminated.

Nkumba head coach Sualaiman Bbosa praised his team’s resilience despite the challenging weather conditions.

Busitema's Gerald Oola (R) with the ball takes on a Nkumba opponent during their UFL match in Nkumba. Nkumba won 2-1. PHOTO: Johnson Were

“It was a tough game, and at one point, a draw seemed likely. But I commend my players for their determination to fight until the final whistle. The scorching sun made it difficult, but they endured and secured the win,” Bbosa said.

Busitema captain Lawrence Ssali expressed disappointment over the late goal but remained optimistic about his team’s chances.

“Losing in such a manner is heartbreaking after all the effort we put in. But that’s football—one mistake can cost you. This isn’t the end; we’ll bounce back in our next game,” Ssali said.

The victory was historic for Nkumba, marking their first-ever win against Busitema in three meetings. Busitema had won the previous two encounters, including the reverse fixture in Busia last November.