Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Bugema University in the first leg of their Pepsi University Football League semifinal clash held yesterday at the Nkozi grounds in Mpigi District despite being without seven of their key players.
Second-half goals from Emmanuel Tumusiime in the 52nd minute and Richard Lagu in the 86th were enough to hand UMU a comfortable win and a strong advantage ahead of the return leg.
UMU were missing a number of influential names, including Robert Kitabalwa, Akbar Ssentongo, Sanny Kaija, Calvin Peter Emayo, Francis Ogwang, Taban Wijjo, and Obedi Giu, due to a combination of injuries and suspensions. Their absence had initially raised concerns for the Nkozi based side, but the team proved resilient and clinical when it mattered most.
UMU goalkeeper Sadam Okoboi had a quiet evening between the sticks, with Bugema’s attacking duo of Sulaiman Ssentongo and Kenneth Bwabye failing to register a single attempt on goal throughout the match.
Bugema head coach Meddy Nyanzi, who has historically struggled against UMU, appeared shell-shocked after his team’s lackluster performance against a depleted opponent. Bugema failed to capitalize on UMU’s weakened lineup and were largely second best for the entire 90 minutes.
The result puts UMU in a commanding position ahead of the second leg, scheduled for next week at Bugema. A draw or any result better than a one-goal loss will be enough to see UMU through to the final — a stage they last reached in 2022, the year they clinched the title.
