Nkumba University clinched their first-ever Pepsi University Football League title with a resounding 3-1 victory over Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the final at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Nkumba University wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with first-half goals from Kennedy Ssebadduka, Ismael Lubega, and Musuga Isaac. Their relentless attack left UCU struggling to keep up, especially after goalkeeper John Collins Wesonga was red-carded for handling the ball outside the box just 21 minutes into the game.
Despite UCU’s valiant efforts, including a goal from Sharif Ssewanyana after the break, Nkumba University remained steadfast in their pursuit of victory. Coach Sulaiman Bbosa’s side, in their third final appearance, finally secured the coveted title, leaving behind the heartbreak of previous losses in 2013 and 2016.
For UCU, led by head coach Jimmy Kintu, it was a bitter defeat, as they fell short of adding another title to their 2019 triumph.
Nkumba University now joins the ranks of prestigious institutions who have claimed the Pepsi University Football League trophy, including Makerere University, MUBS, Kampala University, Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs University, and Kyambogo University.
In the third-place playoff, Kampala University emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over MUBS, while Akbal Ssentongo of Uganda Martyrs University clinched the top scorer title with an impressive tally of nine goals throughout the tournament.