University League: Gulu starts on winning note

Gulu University registered a hard-fought win against Uganda Christian University (UCU) on Saturday in the fifth edition of the University League at their home ground.

Richard Ocana tapped in from a free kick to give the hosts the lead in the second half.

It was a sweet victory for Gulu against a side that beat them 2-0 in last year's competition.

UCU, playing without their injured captain Joshua Kigozi, almost went ahead through Robert Mugisha but his effort drew a crucial save by the goalkeeper.

But the hosts showed good aerial ball control and appeared the more aggressive side.

Five minutes before the break, Joshua Karate wasted an opportunity with only the keeper to beat.

UCU squad

Gulu University squad

 
After the interval, Gulu threw more men forward in the hope of finding the back of the net against UCU who had never lost an opening match since joining the university league.

With the game at 0-0 and 17 minutes left to play, a Gulu free-kick found John Paul Acire who fed in Ocana to slot home the opener.

The visitors responded by pushing more of their men forward in search of an equalizer but were only met by a solid home defence.

UCU head coach, Jackson Nyima said: "We have more inexperienced players on the team, so I don't blame them."

Julius Ogunde, the Gulu University head coach, hailed his side for the good spirit. "We are targeting the semi-finals this season."