Kumi University continued their impressive form in the Pepsi University Football League, earning a valuable 1–1 draw away to Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono on Tuesday — a result that underlined their growing reputation as serious Group E contenders.
Unlike their previous outings, this time Kumi showed the maturity of a side learning to handle pressure. Playing away against the 2019 champions, they demonstrated tactical discipline and mental toughness to extend their unbeaten start to the season and climb to the top of the table with five points from three games.
The afternoon didn’t begin in their favour, though. UCU came out flying, pressing high and dictating play from the onset. Their dominance paid off in the 18th minute when Harry Abiti broke through Kumi’s backline to slot home a composed finish after a fine pass from Najib Bananywa, much to the delight of the home crowd.
But Kumi didn’t panic. The visitors slowly gained control, keeping possession and probing the UCU defence. Their patience paid off in the 26th minute when Saidi Muthir produced a moment of brilliance — curling a free kick into the bottom corner beyond the reach of UCU goalkeeper Norman Rukaari to level the score.
The equaliser ignited belief within Kumi’s ranks. Skipper Christopher Nyongeza marshalled the midfield expertly, while forward Nathan Waliswa troubled UCU’s backline with his pace and movement. Although UCU continued to create chances in the second half, Kumi’s goalkeeper Eddie Amoni stood tall — pulling off a series of crucial saves to frustrate the hosts.
UCU nearly stole victory in the 80th minute when Peter Kyomuhendo’s thunderous strike rattled the crossbar, but the visitors held firm, defending resolutely until the final whistle.
As the game ended, Kumi players celebrated passionately — not just for the point, but for what it symbolized: belief, progress, and growing confidence. Having drawn 2–2 away to Ndejje University and beaten Makerere University 1–0 earlier in the campaign, Kumi remain unbeaten and now sit atop Group E — a remarkable feat for a side quickly emerging as one of this season’s surprise packages.
