Nkumba University’s hopes of strengthening their push for the knockout stages in the Pepsi University Football League suffered a dent following a 1-1 stalemate with Busitema University on Monday afternoon at the Busitema University Main Campus grounds in Busia District.
The 2024 champions started brightly and appeared destined for maximum points before a resilient Busitema side fought back to salvage a share of the spoils.
The visitors wasted little time asserting their intent. Just seven minutes into the contest, Mwebe Nasser was brought down inside the penalty area after a teasing run, leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot.
Nkumba captain Ismael Lubega stepped up with composure and calmly slotted home the penalty to hand the visitors an early advantage.
Nkumba continued probing for a second goal. In the 18th minute, Kavuma Abbey came close to doubling the lead, but his effort from the edge of the area drifted wide of the target.
At the other end, Busitema sought to respond through crosses into the box. However, Nkumba defender Nabaasa stood firm, intercepting Shannon Owino’s dangerous delivery that had been intended for Derrick Ntale. With half an hour played, Nkumba still held a slender lead courtesy of Lubega’s early penalty.
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Busitema continued searching for openings, but Nkumba’s defensive line remained resolute. David Besweri produced a timely challenge to dispossess Mwebe Nasser before the hosts cleared their lines.
Mwebe later wriggled past his marker but again failed to hit the target, as Nkumba maintained their narrow advantage heading into the break.
The second half resumed with greater urgency from both sides, particularly Nkumba who were eager to maintain pace with rivals in the group ahead of the final round of fixtures next week.
A glorious chance fell Nkumba’s way in the 52nd minute when Mwebe Nasser delivered a pinpoint cross to the unmarked Ochwo Silver, but the forward blasted his effort over the bar in what proved a costly miss.
Busitema gradually grew into the game. Midfielder Muusa Nsubuga began troubling the Nkumba backline with persistent attacking runs, while Shannon Owino dictated play in midfield despite occasional lapses in the final pass.
A moment of carelessness in Nkumba’s build-up nearly proved disastrous when Kaweesi Shafik lost possession to Jordan Othieno, whose long-range attempt was cleared off the line by Lubega.
The breakthrough for the hosts eventually arrived in the 70th minute, Owino produced a superb through ball that split the Nkumba defense, releasing Othieno Jordan, who raced through before calmly striking past the goalkeeper to level matters for Busitema.
Nkumba attempted to respond by committing more bodies forward in search of a late winner. Kavuma Abbey combined well with Kaweesi Shafik in the closing stages, but the Busitema goalkeeper reacted quickly to rush off his line and clear the danger.
Despite two minutes of added time, neither side managed to find the decisive goal as the contest ended in a 1-1 draw.
The result leaves Nkumba with work to do heading into the final group fixtures. The Beach Boys lifted the Pepsi University Football League crown in 2024, establishing themselves as a dominant force in university football.
However, their title defence faltered last season when they were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage in 2025.
With competition intensifying from fellow contenders such as Kyambogo and YMCA, dropping points like the one in Busia could prove costly in the race for knockout qualification.
For Busitema, the spirited comeback reflects a side determined to upset the established order, while Nkumba will look back at missed chances as they prepare for a decisive final round of group matches.