Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) staged a comeback to defeat Nkumba University 2-1 in their Pepsi University Football League quarterfinal first-leg match played at Nkumba Grounds in Entebbe.
This game was surrounded by violent scenes from Nkumba fans after the would be late equaliser was cancelled by first assistant referee, Bashir Jjunju.
Jjunju was beaten by the fans but was only saved by Nkumba goalkeeper John Andrew Obwana who whisked him away to one of the University room.
Before that incident, the match had extra significance, as Nkumba University eliminated UMU at this stage last season, setting the stage for UMU to seek revenge. Determined to prove a point, UMU came prepared and showed their resilience despite falling behind early in the game.
Nkumba University looked the more dangerous side in the opening 35 minutes of the first half, dominating possession and creating several chances. However, they struggled with their finishing, failing to convert their opportunities into goals.
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) nearly took the lead in the 38th minute, with Ivan Agamile and Calvin Peter Emayo forcing Nkumba’s goalkeeper into making two crucial saves.
Their near-breakthrough signaled UMU’s growing presence in the game, as they started to push forward with more intent despite Nkumba’s early dominance.
The second half started with high intensity as Nkumba University came out strong and immediately won a penalty in the 47th minute.
Patrick Mutebi fouled Derrick Bamanya in the box, and Kennedy Ssewankambo confidently stepped up to convert from the spot, giving Nkumba a 1-0 lead.
However, their lead was short-lived as two minutes later (49th minute), Nkumba conceded a penalty after James Nabasa fouled Ivan Agamile inside the box. Joseph Kayondo made no mistake from the spot, equalizing for Uganda Martyrs University (UMU).
In a dramatic turn of events, just 56 seconds later, Nkumba’s goalkeeper Obwana was caught off his line, allowing Agamile to slot in UMU’s second goal, completing a quickfire comeback to put the visitors ahead 2-1.
Nkumba University thought they had equalized in the 87th minute when Ismail Lubega’s free kick was controversially cleared off the line by UMU goalkeeper Pius Akena.
Fans behind the goalpost were convinced the ball had crossed the line before Akena cleared it, sparking outrage. They believed the goal should have been given, but the first assistant referee, Bashir Jjunju, and center referee, Ronald Kikabi, ruled that the ball had not fully crossed the line, disallowing the goal.
This controversial decision led to chaos on the pitch, with Nkumba players and fans surrounding the referees in protest.
However, after the heated moments, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) managed to hold on to their 2-1 lead, securing a crucial first-leg victory.
Nkumba will now have to overturn the result in the return leg next Tuesday in Nkozi, while UMU will look to capitalize on their advantage and advance to the semifinals.
