Mutesa Royal University advances to UFL quarterfinals with dramatic win
The win, achieved in a tense away game in Mbarara, showcased MRU’s resilience and determination.
Mutesa Royal University fans and players celebrate. PHOTOS: Aloysius Byamukama
Aloysius Byamukama
Journalist @New Vision
Mutesa Royal University (MRU) secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Pepsi University Football League after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in their final Group F match.
The win, achieved in a tense away game in Mbarara, showcased MRU’s resilience and determination.
The decisive moment came in the dying minutes of the match when Akaya Busuulwa rose above the MUST defense to head home the winning goal, sending the traveling MRU fans into wild celebrations. The goal broke a 1-1 deadlock that had persisted for much of the second half.
MUST, who have struggled to secure a win in the campaign for several years, initially took the lead in the first half. Marvin Ssebagala capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past MRU goalkeeper Fred Mugerwa, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
However, MRU returned from the break with renewed energy and quickly leveled the score. A foul by Kevin Ayebare on Busuulwa inside the box resulted in a penalty, which Ali Lutwama calmly converted to make it 1-1.
Despite MUST’s efforts to regain the lead, they were unable to capitalize on several clear chances, leaving the door open for MRU to snatch the victory. Busuulwa’s late header sealed the win and ensured MRU’s progression to the knockout stage.
MUST coach Mohamed Kyagambidwa expressed disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about the future. “We played well, but the result doesn’t reflect our performance. We are a young team still building, and we hope to finish our last game with determination. This season is gone, but we will keep preparing for the next,” he said.
With this victory, MRU finished Group F with 9 points, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, MUST, with 4 points, faces an uphill battle to qualify. They must defeat MUBS in their final game by a margin of more than 7 unanswered goals to have any chance of advancing. MUBS, currently on 4 points, hold a better chance of progressing based on their overall performance.
The dramatic win not only highlights MRU’s growing prowess in university football but also sets the stage for an exciting quarterfinal clash as they continue their quest for glory in the Pepsi University Football League.