Result
Muteesa 1 Bugema 2
Pepsi University Football League Today, 3pm
Africa Renewal v IUEA
Tomorrow
MUBS v Gulu
Friday
KIU v Unik
Saturday
Makerere v UCU
Meddy Nyanzi believes belief and resilience are beginning to define Bugema University’s campaign in the Pepsi University Football League after a gritty 2-1 triumph over Muteesa I Royal University at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
“We knew exactly what was at stake,” Nyanzi said after the match. “The boys showed maturity. It was not our best performance, but sometimes you win through character. I am proud of how they handled the pressure.”
He added: “We wanted the three points and we have achieved that. Now we focus on correcting our mistakes because the job is not finished.”
The victory could prove decisive in Group B, where margins are razor thin heading into the final round of fixtures.
The contest turned largely on a difficult afternoon for Muteesa goalkeeper Joram Kayanja, whose debut quickly became one to forget.
Bugema’s opener came after Kayanja handled the ball outside his penalty area, presenting Eric Sawa with a dangerous free-kick opportunity. The midfielder made no mistake, bending his effort beyond the wall to give Bugema the lead.
Muteesa attempted to regroup and push forward, but further trouble arrived in the 76th minute. Kayanja brought down Joseph Male inside the area, leaving referee Ibrahim Miiro with little option but to award a penalty. Substitute Owen Ssenyonga calmly converted to stretch the advantage.
Brian Rwothomio pulled one back four minutes later to ignite hopes of a comeback, setting up a tense finale filled with stoppages and rising tempers. Bugema managed the closing stages carefully, slowing the tempo when needed and holding firm under sustained pressure.
Muteesa head coach George William Ssengabi praised his team’s effort despite the setback.
“I thank my players for the fight they showed. We have lost our first match, but we competed well,” he said.
However, he expressed concern about the officiating.
“I appeal to referees to improve. The referee allowed too many interruptions. I am not saying he favoured anyone, but the game became difficult to control.”
The result lifts Bugema to eight points, just one behind leaders Muteesa on nine. Bishop Stuart University sit third on six points, while Kabale University have two. Africa Renewal University and International University of East Africa are on one point each.
Both Bugema and Muteesa have played four matches, with the other teams having a game in hand.
Bugema will host Africa Renewal University in their final group match, while Muteesa face a tricky away test against Bishop Stuart in Mbarara.
With only five group winners guaranteed quarterfinal places, alongside the three best third-placed teams, the battle for qualification remains delicately poised.
The league will resume today with Africa Renewal hosting International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Buloba.
