Ndejje University will head into the return leg of their Pepsi University Football League quarterfinal with everything still to play for, despite falling 2-1 to St Lawrence University in a tightly contested first leg at Kavule.
The visitors showed resilience throughout the encounter and will draw confidence from their crucial away goal, which keeps their semifinal hopes alive ahead of next week’s decisive clash in Luwero.
After a bright start from the hosts, St Lawrence struck first midway through the opening half when captain Ronnie Ziraba finished off a well-worked move. However, Ndejje wasted no time in responding, as Davis Musinguzi quickly restored parity, converting from close range after being picked out by Joel Olupot.
With the game level at the break, both sides returned with attacking intent, producing an open contest filled with chances at either end. Ndejje’s frontline, led by Musinguzi and Olupot, remained a constant threat, testing the St Lawrence backline and goalkeeper Mohammed Katete on several occasions.
Despite the pressure, the hosts stayed compact defensively, with Vincent Agaku and Dickson Kamya standing firm to deny Ndejje a second goal.
The turning point came just after the hour mark when substitute Ivan Okello delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by Sharafah Mukiibi, whose header proved to be the difference on the day.
Ndejje pushed forward in the closing minutes in search of another equaliser but could not find a breakthrough, leaving the tie delicately balanced.
With the second leg looming, St Lawrence hold a slight edge and only need a draw to advance, while Ndejje know that a narrow 1-0 win would be enough to see them progress, setting the stage for a tense decider.
