YMCA Comprehensive Institute rewrote their story in stunning fashion, knocking out Kampala University to reach the Pepsi University Football League final for the first time.
After 180 minutes failed to separate the sides, the semifinal clash in Buwambo was ultimately decided from the spot, where composure and nerve took center stage. YMCA held their ground in a gripping shootout, sealing a 6-5 victory to end KU’s hopes of another title.
The turning point came when goalkeeper Kelvin Ssenabulya flipped the script. With KU on the brink of victory, he denied a crucial penalty to swing momentum back in YMCA’s favour, then stepped up to dispatch his own effort and force sudden death.
Having already frustrated KU attackers throughout open play, Ssenabulya’s all-round display proved decisive, giving YMCA the belief to push through the tense finale.
In sudden death, Trevor Makubuya kept his cool to convert the winning kick, sparking emotional celebrations as YMCA players and fans embraced a long-awaited breakthrough moment.
KU, twice champions of the competition, will rue missed chances in the shootout despite a strong showing, while YMCA now stand one step away from completing a fairytale campaign.
Focus now turns to the other semifinal, where St Lawrence University host Muteesa I Royal University with a place in the final still up for grabs.
