Uganda Martyrs University held on to defending champions Nkumba to a 2-2 draw in the return leg quarter final of the University Football League to progress 4-3 on aggregate in the semi finals.
Martyrs who showed character and determination had earlier won the first leg 2-1 away in Entebbe. Avenging last season’s semi final elimination by Nkumba must have made this victory even sweeter for UMU.
UMU couldn’t have asked for a better start, scoring in just 72 seconds! Joseph Kayondo’s delivery and Patrick Mutebi’s finishing set the tone early, but Nkumba showed their champion mentality by fighting back through Abbey Kavuma’s equalizer.
With such an intense start, it was clear both teams came in with a strong game plan.
Kayondo who was definitely UMU’s key playmaker in this match with two assists, including that well placed corner for Sanny Kaija’s header to make it 2-1, showed his precision and vision.
Bruhani Tasumba’s equalizer to make it 2-2 was applauded by UMU fans. This spoke volumes about the quality of the goal and the spirit of sportsmanship.
UMU’s defensive resilience in the final moments was crucial, especially knowing that one more goal from Nkumba would have sent them out on away goals. Holding on under pressure and securing a 4-3 aggregate win must have been incredibly satisfying, especially given last season’s painful elimination at the same stage.
Despite Nkumba’s fightback, UMU’s resilience saw them through.
Now that UMU has finally gotten their revenge, they’ll be looking ahead to the semifinals with confidence.
Meanwhile, tomorrow’s quarterfinal clash between St Lawrence (SLAU) and Ndejje University will be intense, with SLAU trying to protect their slim 2-1 lead.
