UCU rallies to beat YMCA 2-1, tops Group C in University League

Pepsi University Football League 
Monday Result 
UCU 2 YMCA 1
Tuesday, 3pm 
Kumi v Victoria 
Thursday, 3pm 
IUIU v Busitema 
Friday, 3pm 
Kumi v Makerere 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) mounted a thrilling comeback to defeat YMCA 2-1 on Monday at the UCU Sports Grounds in Mukono, propelling them to the top of Group C in the Pepsi University Football League.

The match, widely regarded as the most entertaining of the season so far, saw UCU fall behind early when Hakim Kanaabi capitalised on a throw-in from John Ndugu to give YMCA the lead just three minutes in.

YMCA dominated the opening 15 minutes, but UCU, spurred on by their vocal home supporters, equalised in the 27th minute through Harry Abiti, who headed in a precise cross from Jordan Ariaka.

The goal shifted the momentum, and just three minutes later, Pablo Kiwanuka fouled Abiti in the box, conceding a penalty. Patrick Ogola calmly converted the spot-kick to put UCU ahead for the first time.

Both teams created numerous chances, forcing goalkeepers Peter Isabirye (YMCA) and Elton Mwidu (UCU) into action with several saves. Abiti and Peter Kyomuhendo were constant threats for UCU, while Banton Kaganzi and Kanaabi kept the UCU defense on their toes.

The midfield battle was equally intense, with UCU’s Ivan Kisembo and Geoffrey Oyaka clashing against YMCA’s Jessy Wasswa and Pablo Kiwanuka.

YMCA pushed hard for an equalizer in the final 15 minutes, but UCU’s defense stood firm to secure a crucial victory and three vital points.

Reflecting on the win, UCU’s Oyaka highlighted the importance of the match, stating, "The coach told us that failing to win would end our season. We treated it like a final. Even after conceding early, we kept fighting, and I thank God we secured the three points."

YMCA captain Banton Kaganzi rued missed opportunities, saying, "We wasted so many chances. Failing to score made defeat inevitable, but we’ll learn from this and come back stronger."

With this result, UCU, who started the match in third place, now lead Group C with eight points, one ahead of SLAU and Kabale, who each have seven. YMCA, with five points, has been mathematically eliminated from contention.

Only the group winner will advance to the quarterfinals. The final round of group matches will see SLAU host UCU in Kavule, Mpigi, while YMCA takes on Kabale in Buwambo.