Nkumba University’s “Beach Boys” endured a heartbreaking start to their 2025 Pepsi University Football League campaign, falling 1-0 to YMCA in Buwambo, Monday afternoon.
The match, which had promised an early statement of intent from the Entebbe-based side, instead ended in frustration as substitute Magezi Enock struck deep in stoppage time to hand YMCA maximum points.
Nkumba head coach had trusted Mukisa, Kazibwe, Tasumba, Lubega, Nabasa, Mukasa, Okanya, Nsubuga, Bwiruka, Kavuma, and Mukiibi for the starting XI, and sidelined Kiggundu, Kamya, Makanga, Kaweesi, Kagimu, Wangi, and Mwebe as subs.
YMCA lined up with Ssennabulya, Ratib, Talemwa, Oketa, Kisekka, Chandiga, Makubuya, Washi, Amos, Lugyya, and Kaganzi, while their substitutes included Wasswa, Magezi, Bbosa, Mutebi, Bukenya, and Kasakya.
The visitors almost drew first blood in the 12th minute when Kavuma weaved in from the right and unleashed a stinging drive, but YMCA goalkeeper Ssennabulya was alert to palm it away.
YMCA’s first real threat came on the half-hour mark as Kangazi Ibrahim skipped past Lubega and squared for Washi Ibrahim in the box, only for Nkumba custodian Mukisa to snuff out the danger.
The water break at the 22nd minute found both sides probing but cautious, with Nkumba enjoying possession yet without troubling the YMCA keeper much.
In the 28th minute, Washi produced an acrobatic effort off Kangazi’s delivery, forcing Kazibwe into a stunning save that kept Nkumba in it. By the 35th minute, YMCA had taken control of proceedings, dominating possession and pinning their opponents back. But it was Nkumba who nearly stole the opener in the 42nd minute when Tasumba latched onto a loose ball in midfield, only to balloon his effort over the bar.
After the restart, Nkumba pressed higher. Kavuma whipped in a dangerous cross that Ssennabulya tipped away just ahead of the lurking Mukiibi. Minutes later, Mukiibi again found himself in the thick of it but his goal-bound shot was blocked bravely by Chandiga.
The Beach Boys kept asking questions, with Bwiruka dazzling down the right in the 65th minute before forcing another save out of the outstanding Ssennabulya.
With 10 minutes to go, the hosts thought they had finally broken the deadlock, but the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside, sparing Nkumba.
As fatigue crept in, Nkumba began to lose their grip. Kangazi once again embarrassed Lubega on the flank, crossing for Lugyya Ashiraf, who somehow headed tamely into Kazibwe’s arms from point-blank range.
But YMCA would not be denied in the dying seconds. In the 90th minute, Lugyya turned provider, whipping in a teasing ball that Kazibwe spilled under pressure. Magezi Enock, freshly introduced from the bench, reacted quickest to stab home the decisive strike.
The YMCA bench erupted in wild celebration as their players mobbed Magezi. “We kept believing, even when chances went begging. The boys showed character, and we delivered,” YMCA Head Coach said after the match.
For Nkumba, the mood was sombre. “Last-minute loss is definitely not good. We created enough to win, but football punishes missed chances,” Lamented Joshua Muskisa, Nkumba University fan.
At the final whistle, the scoreboard read: The Beach Boys will now need to regroup quickly as the campaign rolls on, while YMCA start with a morale-boosting victory in front of their home fans.
Photo Credit: UFL
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