Nkumba University has advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024-2025 Pepsi University Football League after a stunning victory over defending champions Uganda Martyrs University in a thrilling encounter on a Thursday afternoon in Nkozi.
Isaac Musuga’s 93rd minute goal was enough to send the beach boys into the Pepsi UFL last four.
The two teams entered this fixture tied at a 1-1 aggregate, following a draw in Entebbe where Nkumba University displayed absolute dominance.
This time, it was the Martyrs who kicked off with high intensity, showcasing brilliant and dominating performance, launching numerous attacks.
However, they struggled to break through that Nkumba University resilient backline and the outstanding goalkeeper, Bwana John Andrey, who kept on delivering multiple attacks.
Despite the Beach Boys finding some chances, the second half continued to be more of a Martyrs’ affair, but could not break a deadlock .
With few minutes remaining, the Beach Boys sensed the urgency, realizing that they needed at least one goal to secure qualification, while a draw would favor the Martyrs.
In the 93rd minute, the Beach Boys finally found the breakthrough.
Isaac Musuga powerfully heading in Nsubiga Joel’s curled freekick igniting a frenzy among Nkumba fans.
The victory ensured the Beach Boys’ qualification with a 2-1 aggregate score, marking their entry into the Pepsi last four for the first time since 2016.
Nkumba University headcoach Bbosa Sulaiman credited the performance for good management
“I want to appreciate the boys. I think it was a good performance for us. We managed the game so well because in such decisive games, game management is very important.
So, we didn’t play in the first half because we never wanted to concede. It was a way of telling the opponents to relax, and I think you saw them wasting time.
Immediately, we picked an advantage from a set piece and got a goal,” said Bbosa.
Nkumba University has joined the likes of Makerere University Business School and Uganda Christian University.
St Lawrence and Kampala University will play the last match to prove who joins the three teams .
