By 
University Football League
- Kampala University 3-2 Gulu University
Kampala University (KU) delivered a thrilling comeback performance against Gulu University in the University Football League at the YES Center, Nsambya, on Thursday evening.
Gilbert Wanuume emerged as the hero of the day, netting a sensational hattrick to inspire KU’s resurgence from a goal down to a 3-2 victory.
The match began with both sides showing attacking intent, with KU pressing hard in the early stages.
Just ten minutes into the game, Wanuume found himself with a chance inside the box, but Gulu’s goalkeeper Komakech Douglas made a crucial save to deny the hosts an early lead.
Gulu University responded with swift counterattacks, utilizing their right wing effectively.
The Flying Eagles, however, were resilient, with defender Oboth Ronald making key clearances to keep the game level.
In the 25th minute, KU nearly broke the deadlock when Kiwewa Raymond’s strike rattled the woodwork, much to the relief of Komakech, who was struggling to stay on his feet. It was a missed opportunity that KU would soon regret.
At the half-hour mark, Gulu capitalized on a defensive error by KU.
Okwir Emmanuel delivered a precise pass to Comboni Komakech, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to beat the goalkeeper and hand the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Gulu University after celebrating their goal.
The goal ignited a response from KU. Five minutes to halftime, Mulamba Abbey came close to equalizing, but his curling effort was blocked by the solid Gulu defense.
Wanuume then found himself in a similar position, but another Gulu defender got in the way.
Just before the halftime whistle, Wanuume finally found the breakthrough for the hosts.
Ssaka Vicent delivered an inviting cross into the area, and Wanuume rose highest to head home the equalizer, ensuring KU went into the break level at 1-1.
The second half saw KU return with renewed energy and determination. Within the first five minutes, Mulamba Abbey created space in the penalty area, but his low-driven shot went just wide of the far post.
Five minutes past the hour mark, KU took the lead for the first time in the match.
Mulamba was brought down inside the penalty area, and Wanuume stepped up to calmly convert from the spot, sending Komakech the wrong way to make it 2-1.
With 12 minutes left on the clock, Wanuume completed his hattrick in style, sealing KU’s victory with a clinical finish.
His stellar performance left the Gulu defense in disarray as the hosts celebrated a commanding lead.
Despite being two goals down, Gulu University refused to give up. Two minutes before full-time, they were awarded a penalty, which Roger Nyeko converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
However, it was too little too late for the visitors as KU held firm in the closing moments to secure all three points.
The victory propelled Kampala University to the top of Group D with nine points from four games, three points clear of second-placed Bugema University, who will face KIU in their next fixture.
The University Football League action continues tomorrow when ISBAT hosts IUIU in Kanyanya at 3 pm
