UMU claims historic third University Football League title

Pepsi University Football League 
Final 
SLAU 0 UMU 3
Third-place Playoff 
IUIU 0 Bugema 1

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) cemented their dominance in university football with a resounding 3-0 victory over St. Lawrence University (SLAU) in Sunday's Pepsi University Football League final at Mutesa II Stadium. 

The win makes UMU's the most successful team in the competition's history.

The match began with UMU quickly asserting their authority, dispelling any hopes of SLAU avenging their 2022 final defeat. Calvin Peter Emayo opened the scoring in the 30th minute, followed by Crispus Sseruwuge's spectacular long-range strike just before halftime - a shot that SLAU goalkeeper Patrick Mubiru could only deflect into his own net.

UMU maintained their intensity after the break, with Emayo turning provider to set up Ronald Obedi Giu for the third goal in the 57th minute. Despite SLAU's efforts to respond, UMU's composed performance ensured they comfortably saw out the match.

Head coach Eric Kisuze, now among an elite group of two-time winning managers, expressed pleasant surprise at his team's dominant display.

"I knew we would win, but not with such authority," admitted Kisuze, whose side completed an unbeaten season. He immediately turned his attention to defending the title next year - a feat no team has achieved in the competition's history.

For SLAU's Davis Ssozi, the defeat marked a third consecutive final loss. "Today I lost to a better side," he acknowledged, while vowing to rebuild for another title challenge next season.

In the day's earlier match, Bugema University claimed third place with a 1-0 victory over Islamic University in Uganda, courtesy of Innocent Masuk's goal. Tournament organizers will announce individual awards after final statistical analysis.

UMU's triumph sees them surpass previous record-holders Makerere University Business School and Kampala University, who have two titles each. The victory also extends UMU's perfect record in finals, having now won all three of their championship appearances.