Uganda Martyrs University edges past Nkumba to reach UFL semifinals
The result sealed UMU’s semifinal berth with a 4-3 aggregate victory, avenging last season’s elimination at the hands of the defending champions.
PHOTOS: Johnson Were
Yekoyada Saaka
Journalist @New Vision
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) held their nerve against a relentless Nkumba University side to secure a 2-2 draw in Tuesday’s Pepsi University Football League quarterfinal return leg at Nkozi, Mpigi District.
The result sealed UMU’s semifinal berth with a 4-3 aggregate victory, avenging last season’s elimination at the hands of the defending champions.
Nkumba players celebrate after scoring
Fast Start and End-to-End Action
UMU exploded out of the blocks, taking the lead just 72 seconds into the match as Patrick Mutebi powered home Joseph Kayondo’s pinpoint cross with a clinical header.
Nkumba, unfazed by the early setback, responded in the 25th minute when Abbey Kavuma slotted in James Nabasa’s delivery to level the score. Both teams traded attacks, with goalkeepers Patrick Obwana (Nkumba) and Pius Akena (UMU) pulling off key saves to keep the contest alive.
UMU regained the lead in the 35th minute through Sanny Kaija, who met Kayondo’s corner with a decisive header. However, Nkumba’s Bruhani Tasumba delivered a moment of magic just before halftime, unleashing a stunning strike that drew applause even from UMU supporters, sending the teams into the break tied at 2-2.
Nkumba’s Late Push Falls Short
With UMU holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Entebbe, the aggregate stood at 4-3, leaving Nkumba needing just one more away goal to progress. The defending champions threw everything forward in the second half, but UMU’s resolute defense stood firm to preserve their narrow lead.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations among UMU players and fans, marking a hard-fought redemption after last season’s heartbreak. The match also set a season-high attendance record, underscoring its intensity.
Fans attend the match
Up Next in the UFL Quarterfinals
Quarterfinal action resumes on Wednesday as St. Lawrence University (SLAU), holding a 2-1 first-leg lead, travels to face Ndejje University in Luwero.
Pepsi University Football League
Quarterfinals
Return leg
Tuesday
UMU 2 Nkumba 2
Aggregate (UMU 4-3 Nkumba)
Wednesday, 4pm
Live on Bukedde TV2/Wan Luo
Ndejje v SLAU
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