Ndejje dump brave Nkumba to qualify for first semifinal
Ndejje players celebrate after holding hosts Nkumba to make the Nile special University Football League semis. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
KAMPALA- Nkumba University Patrick Ssebuliba sports tutor could have rubbed many in the Ndejje fraternity the wrong way when he said the best team lost after his side was knocked out of the Nile Special University Football League on Wednesday.
From a neutral perspective, though, Ssebuliba was right following the 1-all draw, which handed Ndejje a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Nkumba were easily the best side on the day despite suffering an early setback as Steven Ayo put the visitors ahead in the seventh minute.
The hosts camped in Ndejje’s territory thereafter and were rewarded with an equaliser courtesy of Martin Sseruwagi’s freekick on 79 minutes.
Having lost the first leg 2-1, Ssebuliba’s side needed another goal to push the game into extra-time.
All indications were that they would get the goal and probably hit a winner. The much-needed goal didn’t come much as they created countless chances.
“It is so annoying,” Ssebuliba wrote on his Facebook wall after the game, “We played so well but failed to convert seven clear chances. I thank my team for their resilience and the fans, who stood by us. They have given us overwhelming support since the season began.”
He added: “Bear with me and I apologise for failing to guide my team to the next level. The best team lost and I have accepted the loss.” Ndejje will now play in their first semifinal.
Makerere University also swept into the semifinals yesterday after walloping KIU 5-0 for a 7-1 aggregate win.
