Nkumba, Kyambogo crash out as YMCA progress to quarterfinals

Pepsi University Football League 

Tuesday Results 
Nkumba 3 Kyambogo 1
YMCA 0 ISBAT 0
Thursday 
Ndejje v Makerere 
Kumi v King Ceasor 
UCU v IUIU 

Nkumba University and Kyambogo University have been eliminated from the Pepsi University Football League after both finished on seven points in Group C, falling short of group winners YMCA Comprehensive Institute who collected eight points.

The two sides clashed on the final matchday at Nkumba Main Pitch in Entebbe, with Kyambogo needing to at least match YMCA’s result against ISBAT University in Buwambo to stand a chance of progressing.

Heading into the decisive fixtures, Kyambogo and YMCA were tied on seven points at the summit, while Nkumba trailed in third with four points.

With only the group winner guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals, all three teams still had a mathematical chance of advancing.

Nkumba needed victory and a favour from ISBAT, while Kyambogo had to keep pace with YMCA’s result.

Nkumba did their part in emphatic fashion, defeating Kyambogo 3-1 to move level on seven points.

However, their hopes were dashed elsewhere as YMCA held ISBAT to a goalless draw, a result that saw them top the group with eight points to secure qualification.

At Nkumba, the hosts dominated proceedings, particularly in a blistering first half that effectively decided the contest.

Abbey Kavuma opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Ismail Lubega converted from the penalty spot 10 minutes later to double the advantage. Nasser Mwebe then made it 3-0 in the 25th minute, completing a devastating opening spell for Kyambogo.

Kyambogo responded after the break through Rashid Onen, who pulled one back early in the second half, but Nkumba comfortably saw out the game.

Despite the victory, scenes of disappointment unfolded at full-time as players from both sides learned that YMCA had drawn their match, a result that confirmed the elimination of both Nkumba and Kyambogo.

For YMCA Comprehensive Institute, however, it was a landmark achievement. The Buwambo-based side qualified for the quarterfinals for the first time since joining the competition in 2016.

Few would have predicted such an outcome when the group was drawn, with 2024 champions Nkumba and 2018 winners Kyambogo widely tipped to advance.

But YMCA defied expectations, beating Nkumba and holding Kyambogo to a draw to emerge as the group’s surprise package.

YMCA now joins Muteesa 1 Royal University, Bugema University, St Lawrence University, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi and Kampala University among the teams already through to the quarterfinals.