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2024/25 Pepsi University Football League kicked off on Tuesday 17th September with Group C action as Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted St Lawrence University (SLAU) at the UCU grounds, Mukono.
The game ended in a one (1) all stalemate with both goals coming three (3) minutes apart in the opening half.
St Lawrence started the game on a good note with Arafat Uthman coming out so fresh, going on to beat his man in the box only to powers his effort towards goal, only for the UCU keeper after 15 minutes.
After 23 minutes, UCU tried to match SLAU’s energy levels Oyaka going on to have his first shot of the game but was blocked.
However it was UCU’s Harry Abiti broke the deadlock at the half hour mark for the hosts with a powerful effort, going past saints shot stopper who was not just equal to it.
Three minutes later, Ziraba Ronnie managed to equalize for the Lubaga side to draw the game level.
SLAU celebrating the goal with the traveling fans.| Photo credit: Toni Kamau
With five minutes to complete the first stanza, St Lawrence University won the ball high up the pitch after a fierce press by Arafat from Wambunga who squared it to the goal scorer Ziraba but he could keep his effort down.
Ten minutes Into the second stanza, the Jimmy Kintu coached side broke with pace through Opio Allan who beat two players and slotted the ball into Abiti’s path but couldn’t add a 2nd due to many bodies on the line that managed to block his efforts.
At the hour mark, UCU seemed to be tired with different sloppy acts in possession including one which handed Innocent Matege work space to shoot from the edge of the area despite having his effort well blocked
Coach Davis Nnono realized the sloppy plays going on to instruct his St Lawrence troops to apply more pressure, winning the ball high once again but Maiso putting a great block to deny the visitors a clean sight at goal.
With a quarter of a hour left on the clock, Kayongo Michael applied the press on the other side going on to winpossession in good position which led to a goalmouth scramble but the Cardinals manage to clear.
Going onwards it didn’t look like anyone was going to score but SLAU managed to have another chance with three minutes left on the clock but a fantastic defensive intervention from the Cardinals.
This saw them break forward to Opio who linked up well with Kyomuhendo in the box before Balondemu got back in cover to force a throw in ending the first game of the campaign 1-1.
Both St Lawrence Universty and Uganda Christian University are in Group C alongside Kabale University and YMCA.
