Unbeaten KU face fearless YMCA in a UFL semifinal clash at Kadiba

Pepsi University Football League 

Semifinals
First leg 
Today, 4pm Live on Bukedde TV2/Wan Luo TV 
KU v YMCA 

Thursday 
Muteesa v SLAU

Kampala University (KU) and YMCA Comprehensive Institute renew their rivalry today in the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) semifinal first leg at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba in Mengo with nine years separating their previous meeting.

Their previous two encounters dates back to the 2017 season when YMCA in their debut season stunned defending champions KU with a 1-0 victory at Villa Park, thanks to Arafat Ochom’s solitary strike.

KU responded in the return leg, claiming a 2-1 win in Buwambo, but the memory of that upset still lingers ahead of today’s clash.

KU head into this fixture as hosts and slight favourites, buoyed by an impressive home record at Kadiba, where they remain unbeaten this season.

However, their assistant head coach Micheal Kalyesubula has cautioned against complacency, insisting his players must approach the tie with seriousness and respect for the visitors. 

“We have experience in this competition, but that does not guarantee anything,” Kalyesubula noted.

“YMCA have proved their quality by reaching this stage. We must be aggressive going forward, but also disciplined to avoid conceding at home.”

KU are appearing in the semifinals for the fourth time since debuting in 2013 and boast two titles which underlines their pedigree at this level.

The Eagles (KU) have been further strengthened by the return of two key defenders James Epaja and Simon Peter Owao from suspension, a timely boost after their narrow quarterfinal progression past Bugema University on the away goals rule following a 1-1 aggregate draw.

The attacking responsibility will rest on Gilbert Wanume, Sam Ayebare, Raymond Kiweewa, and Gideon Nsubuga.

For YMCA, this is unfamiliar but exciting stage. The Buwambo-based institution are enjoying a breakthrough campaign, reaching both the quarterfinals and semifinals for the first time in their history.

Their confidence will be high after eliminating Kumi University 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round.

They have already demonstrated their ability to compete with the best, having topped a challenging group that included former champions Kyambogo University and Nkumba University without suffering defeat against those two. 

Key players John Kiseka, Farouk Wasswa, and Ashraf Lugya will be central to their attacking ambitions.

With the away goals rule still in effect, YMCA will aim to secure a crucial goal on the road, setting up what promises to be a tightly contested second leg next week in Buwambo.