Pepsi UFL: Busuulwa’s Late Heroics Propel Muteesa 1 Royal to Quarterfinals

University Football League Results

• MUST 1-2 Muteesa 1 Royal

Akaya Busuulwa produced a last-minute moment of magic as Muteesa 1 Royal University staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) 2-1 in a pulsating Pepsi University Football League (UFL) Group F encounter in Mbarara on Friday evening.

The victory not only secured all three points for Muteesa but also sealed their place in the quarterfinals, joining Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi after extending their lead at the top of Group F to nine points—five ahead of second-placed MUBS, while MUST remained at the bottom with just a single point.

First-Half Dominance by MUST

MUST started brightly, taking control of the early exchanges and pressing Muteesa deep into their half.

In the 10th minute, Ssebagala Marvin came close to putting the hosts ahead, creating space for himself before firing narrowly wide. Just five minutes later, he found himself in another promising position but failed to hit the target.

Mbarara continued to push forward, with Nankunda Christopher testing Muteesa’s goalkeeper Fred Mugerwa in the 20th minute, but the shotstopper was up to the task, keeping the visitors in the game.

Muteesa struggled to find their rhythm, managing only one clear opportunity when Kakeeto Mansour struck the woodwork 10 minutes before halftime.

A minute later, the breakthrough finally came for MUST, as Ssebagala Marvin calmly slotted home after a well-worked assist from Ayebare Kevin, sending the home crowd into celebration as MUST went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Ssenyonjo Nicholas shielding the ball from MUST’s Nankunda Christopher.

Muteesa’s Second-Half Resurgence

Muteesa came out with renewed energy after the break and immediately found themselves back in the contest.

Just two minutes into the second half, they were awarded a penalty after Ayebare Kevin fouled Busuulwa Patrick inside the box. Lutwama Ali stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, bringing the visitors level at 1-1.

Buoyed by the equalizer, Muteesa intensified their attacking play. Mubiru set up Lutwama after Busuulwa had won possession, forcing MUST goalkeeper Mugisha into a stunning reflex save to concede a corner in the 55th minute.

Moments later, Busuulwa had another golden chance, but his low effort went inches wide.

With both teams searching for a winner, MUST nearly restored their lead in the 80th minute when Atuhire Emmanuel set up Ainemugisha, only for the latter to fire over the bar.

MUST kept pressing in the dying moments, stringing passes down the flanks, but Muteesa’s defense stood resolute.

Busuulwa’s Last-Minute Winner

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Busuulwa Akaya delivered a moment of brilliance in stoppage time. The forward latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Kakeeto Mansour and coolly slotted home, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory and sending the Muteesa camp into wild celebrations.

With this win, Muteesa 1 Royal University cemented their place in the quarterfinals, marking yet another strong campaign in the Pepsi University Football League.

Final Standings: Group F

Muteesa will now turn their focus to the knockout stage, where they will look to build on their momentum and challenge for the UFL title.