28 February 2024 | Football

• University Football League | Results
• Nkumba University 1-1 Uganda Martyrs University

Holders Uganda Martyrs University came from a goal down to draw with Nkumba in a 1-1 stalemate in the University Football League encounter on Wednesday.

It was an entertaining quarterfinal first-leg duel between two sides that were ready to throw bodies upfront however the return in goals was less compared to the chances created.

The hosts took an early lead through Ismael Lubega in the second minute, the forward’s precision and anticipation were crucial as he guided the ball into the back of the net.

Sixteen minutes later, Nkumba made a change introducing lanky forward Irivai Mamur in the place of Abbey Kikomeko who was so silent in the penalty area.

In the final minutes of the period, Uganda Martyrs were on the front foot searching for a leveller right away but were denied by an organised Nkumba backline.

A minute into the second period of the game, Akbar Ssentongo levelled matters to bring back the visitors into the game.

However, after a busy show on the day, none of the two sides came out victorious setting up a mouthwatering second-leg encounter.

After the final whistle of the game, Uganda Martyrs head coach Eric Kisuze revealed that he was happy with the draw and could only wait to seal the duel in the second leg.

“We are happy to pick a point from this game, we came knowing that we can get a win but that did not happen. Having picked a draw here we can go all the way and seal it in Nkozi,” Kisuze noted.

“It was an intense game and we slipped in the second minute thus getting punished. However at half time, I told the boys to calm down and play the game since we have found ourselves in such situations before,” he added.

“I commend the boys for the great fight and ensuring that at least we pick a positive today. We shall go back home and prepare so that we win the second leg.”

The two sides will be meeting in the second leg on Thursday, March 7 in Nkozi.

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