SLAU holds on for 2-1 win over Ndejje in UFL quarterfinal thriller

Pepsi University Football League

Thursday

Quarterfinals

First leg

 SLAU 2 Ndejje 1

Friday, 3pm

KU v IUIU

St Lawrence University (SLAU) edged out Ndejje University with a 2-1 victory in a tightly contested first leg of their Pepsi University Football League quarterfinal yesterday in Kavule, Mpigi.

SLAU got off to a dream start, scoring just 18 seconds into the match when Ronnie Ziraba fired a stunning long-range shot into the net, leaving Ndejje University shell-shocked before they could even settle into the game.

Despite the early setback, Ndejje regrouped and dominated possession, stifling SLAU’s attacking threats, Arafat Kembo and Lawrence Mugerwa. However, their inability to convert chances into goals kept SLAU in the lead as the first half ended 1-0.

Ndejje came out stronger after the break and found the equalizer in the 54th minute. Joseph Mutaka capitalized on a rebound from SLAU goalkeeper Mohammed Kateete to slot the ball home, energizing the visiting supporters.

In response, Ndejje coach Siraje Lubega made three attacking substitutions, bringing on Joel Olupot, Ambrose Akanya, and James Okello to pile pressure on SLAU’s defense. Despite their efforts, SLAU’s backline, led by Derrick Kato, Joshua Ojok, and Vincent Agaku, held firm.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when a defensive miscommunication between Ndejje defender Clement Ebasu and goalkeeper Fred Ochen allowed Kembo to tap in SLAU’s second goal from Kato’s cross.

Ndejje pushed hard for another equalizer but couldn’t break through SLAU’s resilient defense. The hosts held on to their narrow lead, taking a slight advantage into the second leg, scheduled for next week in Luwero.

In other quarterfinal action, Kampala University will host Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) at Yes Sports Arena in Nsambya on Friday for their first-leg clash.