Kampala University battled to a 1-1 draw against Bugema University in the first leg of their university football quarterfinal, holding firm despite playing with ten men for over half an hour.
The two-time champions started brightly and took an early lead through Nsubuga Gideon, who finished off a well-worked move to hand the visitors the advantage.
Bugema, however, responded after the break, with substitute Muwadda Jonah making an instant impact by scoring the equaliser shortly after coming on.
The game shifted in the 54th minute when Owawu Simone Peter was sent off, leaving Kampala University a man down. From that point, the visitors were forced into a more defensive approach but remained organised and disciplined, frustrating Bugema’s attempts to find a winner.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Kampala University held on to secure a valuable away result, giving them a slight edge ahead of the return leg where they will have home advantage and a chance to seal a semifinal spot.
Quarterfinal action continues on Wednesday with defending champions Uganda Martyrs’ University facing Muteesa I Royal University in the Masaka Road derby, scheduled for 3:00 PM.
