Nkumba’s title hopes on the line as they host Busitema in high-stakes match

Pepsi University Football League Fixtures

Tuesday, 4pm: Nkumba vs. Busitema

Wednesday, 3pm: Bugema vs. KIU

Thursday, 4pm: UCU vs. Kabale

Live on Bukedde TV2 and Wan Luo TV

Defending Pepsi University Football League champions Nkumba University face a must-win match against Busitema University today at their home ground in Entebbe. The Beach Boys are determined to keep their title defense alive after a shaky start to the season.

Currently third in Group A with four points from three matches, Nkumba must secure a victory to boost their chances of advancing. Only the top team in each of the six groups qualifies directly for the quarterfinals, making this clash critical for both sides.

Busitema University, sitting second in the group with six points, could leapfrog current leaders Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) with a win. IUIU, with eight points, have played one more game than Busitema.

Nkumba has faced challenges in replacing key players from last season’s triumphant squad. Irivai Mamur, Isaac Musuga, Lukman Kalule, Isaque Balyaawo, Obwana Andrew, Norman Brown, and Aaron Kikoyo were pivotal in their success but are unavailable this season.

Mamur, Balyaawo, Musuga, and Kalule have aged out of the league’s 25-year limit, Brown has joined Uganda Premier League side Lugazi FC, and Kikoyo tragically lost his life in a construction site accident last year. Obwana, last season’s standout goalkeeper, is currently injured.

To address these gaps, Nkumba head coach Sualaiman Bbosa has brought in new talent, including goalkeeper Calvin Wabomba, midfielders Derrick Bamanya and Khalid Makanga, and forwards Akram Juma and Marvin Kasumba.

Meanwhile, Busitema enters the match with a fully fit squad, giving coach AbdulNoor Musisi flexibility in team selection.

In their last encounter in November, Busitema edged Nkumba 1-0 in Busia, courtesy of a goal by Shannon Alex Owino.