By 
Pepsi University Football League
- UCU 2-1 YMCA
UCU Cardinals demonstrated resilience and patience as they came from a goal down to defeat YMCA 2-1 in the Pepsi University Football League on Monday evening.
The hard-fought victory at Mukono propelled UCU to the top of the highly competitive Group C standings.
Early Setback for UCU
YMCA made a dream start to the game, stunning the home crowd with an early goal just two minutes after kickoff.
Hakim Kanaabi capitalized on a long throw-in from Chadiga, slotting home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Despite the setback, UCU quickly settled into the game and almost responded eight minutes later.
Geoffrey Oyaka showed great pace to beat two YMCA defenders and break into the penalty area, but his final shot drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
The visitors continued to test UCU’s defense, with Lugyya Ashiraf curling a shot goalward in the 15th minute, only for goalkeeper Mwidu Elton to make a strong save, pushing the ball over for a corner.
UCU’s Swift Comeback
Three minutes before the half-hour mark, UCU found the equalizer. Oyaka, who had been lively throughout, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Abiti Harry rose highest to power a header past the YMCA goalkeeper.
The hosts wasted no time in turning the game around. Just two minutes after drawing level, UCU were awarded a penalty when a YMCA defender was penalized for a handball in the box. Patrick Ogola stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, giving UCU a 2-1 lead.
That goal wrapped up the first-half action, with UCU heading into the break with the advantage.
Second Half Pressure
UCU came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Ten minutes after the restart, Abiti Harry cut inside with a sight at goal, but his effort sailed well over the crossbar.
At the hour mark, YMCA goalkeeper Isabirye was called into action, producing a fine reflex save to deny a powerful Oyaka effort.
The visitors then had a rare chance in the 82nd minute when Kiwanuka Pablo drilled a free-kick toward the bottom corner, but Mwidu reacted superbly to push it wide.
Three minutes later, UCU nearly sealed the victory when Kyomuhendo unleashed a heavy strike, but Isabirye was equal to the task, punching the ball off the line to keep YMCA’s hopes alive.
UCU Go Top of Group C
Despite YMCA’s late attempts to find an equalizer, UCU held firm to secure a crucial 2-1 win.
The result sees UCU climb to the top of Group C with 8 points from five games, one ahead of second-placed St. Lawrence, who are level on 7 points with third-placed side. YMCA, meanwhile, remain bottom with 5 points.
