UMU Stuns Nkumba to seize first-leg advantage in the Pepsi University Football League Quarterfinals

In a gripping encounter in the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) quarterfinals first leg, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Nkumba University 2-1 on their home turf. The match, played under intense pressure and high stakes, showcased the resilience and tactical prowess of UMU as they overturned an early deficit to secure a slender advantage heading into the second leg.

The game kicked off with both teams displaying early intent, but it was Nkumba University, nicknamed the “Beach Boys,” who drew first blood. Six minutes into the second half, at the 51st minute, John Kennedy Ssewakambo stepped up to the penalty spot after a foul in the box. With composure beyond his years, Ssewakambo slotted the ball past UMU’s goalkeeper, sending the home crowd into raptures and giving Nkumba a 1-0 lead. The goal appeared to set the tone for the defending champions, who were eager to assert their dominance in this crucial tie. However, controversy struck shortly after when Nkumba’s Ismail Lubega thought he had doubled their lead with a well-taken free kick. The strike was disallowed by the referee in a decision that left the Nkumba faithful fuming and sparked heated debates on the sidelines. Despite the setback, Nkumba maintained their lead through a disciplined defensive effort, keeping UMU at bay for much of the half.

The turning point came in the 61st minute when UMU was awarded a penalty of their own. Joseph Kayondo, a standout performer for the visitors, calmly converted the spot-kick, leveling the score at 1-1. The equalizer shifted the momentum decisively in UMU’s favor, silencing the Nkumba crowd and igniting belief among the traveling supporters from Nkozi. Just three minutes later, in the 64th minute, Ivan Agamile delivered the decisive blow. Capitalizing on a swift counterattack, Agamile found himself in space and unleashed a clinical finish that beat Nkumba’s goalkeeper, putting UMU ahead 2-1. The quick succession of goals stunned the hosts, who struggled to regain their footing as UMU’s confidence soared.

Nkumba, desperate to salvage a draw, threw everything forward in the closing stages. Their high-pressing game led to a flurry of chances, but UMU’s backline, marshaled by a resolute defense, held firm. The visitors’ goalkeeper made several key saves to preserve the lead, while Nkumba’s attackers, including Ssewakambo and Lubega, couldn’t find the cutting edge needed to breach UMU’s defense a second time. UMU, for their part, showed tactical maturity beyond the scoreline. Their ability to absorb pressure after falling behind and then strike with precision highlighted their championship pedigree. Tactically, Nkumba’s high-pressing strategy worked well in the first half, but their failure to maintain that intensity allowed UMU to exploit gaps in the second period. UMU’s quick transition from defense to attack after equalizing was a masterstroke, catching Nkumba off-guard and securing the win.

The 2-1 result leaves the tie delicately poised as the teams prepare for the second leg in Nkozi next week. UMU will take confidence from their away victory and the two precious away goals, which could prove decisive under the competition’s away goal rule. A goalless draw or a 1-0 win for Nkumba would still see UMU advance, placing immense pressure on the Beach Boys to overturn the deficit on hostile territory. As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, both sets of players and coaching staff will analyze this encounter closely. For UMU, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity while capitalizing on home support. Nkumba, meanwhile, will aim to sharpen their finishing and overcome the setback of the disallowed goal to mount a comeback.

For Nkumba, the loss marks a rare stumble at home, but their spirited performance suggests they are far from out of the fight. The defending champions, who claimed their maiden title in 2024, know they must deliver a flawless performance to keep their hopes of back-to-back titles alive. Nkumba’s triumph last year ended UMU’s hopes in the final, while UMU’s last title came in 2022—both teams have a rich legacy to defend. UMU Saints’s comeback victory has given them the upper hand, but Nkumba’s resilience ensures the second leg will be a blockbuster affair. As the teams regroup and strategize, fans across both universities await the next chapter in this enthralling quarterfinal battle.

Full-Time Score: Nkumba University 1-2 Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi
Scorers:
– Nkumba: Ssewakambo John Kennedy (Pen, 51’)
– UMU: Kayondo Joseph (Pen, 61’), Agamile Ivan (64’)

Stay tuned for more updates as the Pepsi UFL quarterfinals unfold!