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Result
- UMU (4) 2-2 (3) Nkumba
Two-time Pepsi University Football League (UFL) champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) became the first team to secure a spot in the 2025 semifinals after a dramatic 2-2 draw against defending champions Nkumba University.
With a 4-3 aggregate victory, UMU exacted revenge on the team that eliminated them at the same stage last season.
The highly anticipated clash at Nkozi University Grounds got off to a blistering start, with all four goals coming in the first half.
UMU wasted no time asserting their dominance, as star defender Mutebi Patrick, arguably the league’s best center back opened the scoring with a powerful header just a minute into the match. The goal came from a well-placed corner by Joseph Kayondo, who was instrumental in UMU’s attacking play.
Nkumba responded in the 25th minute when Kavuma Abbey capitalized on Bamanya Derrick’s precise overhead pass to head in the equalizer. However, UMU quickly regained control, piling pressure on the visitors with Kayondo delivering dangerous crosses.
Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Sunny Kaija restored UMU’s lead with a diving header, once again assisted by Kayondo. But just before halftime, Nkumba’s right-back, Tasumba Buruhani, unleashed a stunning strike from the right flank, finding the top corner to level the score at 2-2.
With their 2-1 first-leg victory in hand, UMU knew a draw would be enough to advance. The second half saw a more cautious approach from the hosts, who focused on maintaining their aggregate lead. Despite both teams creating chances, neither side managed to find the back of the net again.
The result saw UMU knock out the reigning champions and book their place in the semifinals, flipping the script on last season’s disappointment when Nkumba had eliminated them on their way to winning the title.
With Uganda Martyrs leading the charge, the UFL semifinal picture is beginning to take shape.
The action resumes tomorrow at the Arena of Vision, where Ndejje University will take on St. Lawrence University in another highly anticipated clash.
