Muteesa 1 Royal University pulled off a major upset yesterday, knocking out pre-match favourites St Lawrence University (SLAU) to secure a place in the Pepsi University Football League final for the very first time.
The Masaka-based side completed a 3-1 aggregate victory after a disciplined and fearless display in the return leg at Crown City Campus Grounds in Kavule, Mpigi District, overturning expectations against one of the competition’s most experienced teams.
With only a win required to progress, Muteesa started brightly and stunned the hosts in the 23rd minute when Eric Katende unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew past goalkeeper Mohamed Kateete, instantly silencing the home supporters.
SLAU, three-time losing finalists and widely tipped for the title this season, responded quickly. Collin Ssemanda brought them level in the 27th minute with a well-taken free kick that briefly shifted momentum back to the hosts.
But Muteesa showed no signs of panic. Their captain Ali Lutwama restored the lead with a moment of quality, curling in a brilliant free kick that once again put the visitors in control and lifted their belief heading into halftime.
After the break, SLAU pushed forward aggressively in search of a comeback, but Muteesa’s defensive structure held firm, frustrating wave after wave of attacks.
The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Bryan Rwothomio capitalised on a goalkeeping error after Kateete failed to hold onto a shot, calmly slotting home to extend the lead and effectively end the contest.
From that point on, Muteesa managed the game with composure, slowing the tempo and controlling possession while still threatening on the counter.
At the final whistle, celebrations erupted as players and supporters marked a landmark achievement in the university’s football history. For SLAU, however, it was another painful ending to a campaign that promised much but again fell short at the semifinal stage.
Muteesa will now meet YMCA Comprehensive Institute in the final on May 2. YMCA also made history of their own, eliminating Kampala University in a dramatic penalty shootout, setting up a final between two first-time finalists.
