By 
Semifinal First Leg
- IUIU 1-1 SLAU
In the heart of Mbale, beneath the shadow of Mount Elgon, St. Lawrence University (SLAU) stood tall under pressure and left with more than just a draw, they left with belief, momentum, and a crucial away goal.
Their 1-1 result against Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in the first leg of the University Football League semifinals was not just a display of resilience, but a statement of intent. On hostile turf, with the home crowd in full voice, SLAU weathered the storm and emerged with the edge heading into the decisive return leg.
It all started with a moment of brilliance in the 25th minute. Patrick Ssekyanzi, calm and clinical, silenced the crowd with a well-taken goal, putting SLAU in the driver’s seat. But it was never going to be an easy ride.
IUIU responded with fire, and just before halftime, their persistence paid off. Calvin Otim found space and slotted home the equalizer in the 41st minute, swinging the momentum back in favor of the hosts.
The second half turned into a test of grit. IUIU threw everything forward, with Faraj Mugambe and Shieli Ladhu consistently probing and pressing. SLAU’s backline, however, held its shape Vincent Agaku and Joshua Ojok stood like a wall, snuffing out chance after chance with composure and strength.
Midfielder Stuart Mutebi, ever the engine in the middle of the park, reflected on the grind:
“It wasn’t easy, but we knew what we came here for. Getting that away goal was key. We’re confident we can finish the job at home.”
And he’s right. With the return leg set for next Thursday at Kavule, SLAU now sit in a favorable position. The away goal means IUIU will need to come out swinging and that might just play into SLAU’s hands.
It’s a semifinal finely poised, but SLAU return home with more than just a scoreline, they return with the momentum, the mental edge, and a dream just 90 minutes away from being realized. With one leg down, One to go so the road to the final is wide open.
