Uganda Martyrs, Kampala University Share Spoils

By Swalley Kenyi

Nile Special University Football League

UMU 1 KU 1

Thursday

Kyambogo v Makerere -2pm

Uganda Martyrs and Kampala University secured their first respective points of the Nile Special University football league on Wednesday.

The two played out a 1-1 draw in Nkozi.

Kampala University led Uganda Martyrs 1-0 thanks to Moses Buga’s 20th minute goal. Godfrey Ochan equalized from the spot in the 66th minute.

Uganda Martyrs missed an opportunity to take the lead when David Kamya’s acrobatic effort inside the box ended in goalkeeper Tamale’s hands.

Nkumba, Kyambogo and Makerere with two straight wins, qualified for quarterfinals leaving only a slot in Group A.

But the draw between Uganda Martyrs and Kampala University leaves an open opportunity for either of the teams which will win their remaining group match to fill the fourth slot.

Prior to the match Kampala University coach, Vincent Tumusiime said, “For a team like Kampala University, not qualifying for the next round is unthinkable. It would be absurd which is why when we go to Nkozi we shall not hold back. We are going to have to play at our very best game and I am sure the boys are as determined as I am.”

Kyambogo and Makerere Universities meet at Kyambogo grounds on Thursday. The last time Kyambogo and Makerere met was in 2012 and it was bloody among the fans as the match was abandoned in the first half as Police fought militant supporters.

Students from the two institutions of higher learning have often transferred fights for academic superiority to sports and the losing side will turn it physical.

In the previous incident Makerere had just conceded an own goal when a group of its fans stormed the pitch with sticks and other objects forcing the players and referees to flee for their dear lives.

It was then riot that had the rival fans battling each other through the university to the nearby Nabisunsa Girls School, Kyambogo College, Banda and Nakawa.

Kyambogo and Makerere (six points) go into today's encounter only separated at the top of the table by a goal difference in two matches so far. Kyambogo has beaten KU (1-0) and MUST (2-0) while Makerere tamed MUST (2-1) and UMU (3-2) to keep clean records.