Bugema, UCU eye final

Bugema’s Ahebwa Amon (L) challenges UCU’s Barigye Muzeifa (C) in the first leg which UCU won 2-1.
PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA

A maiden final appearance is at stake when Uganda Christian University (UCU) and Bugema University face-off in the second leg of their Pepsi University Football League semi-final tie this afternoon. UCU carry a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg and coach Kintu Mwera is expecting a backlash from their opponents.

“I believe Bugema is going to give it all they have got and come at us with waves of attack but we are ready to withstand them. We shall also be attacking them because it is dangerous to defend with such a slender lead,” Mwera stated.

For Bugema University coach Medhi Nyanzi, belief is high that a place in the final remains a very achievable target for his charges going by the first leg result.

“Although we lost in the first leg, we managed to get an away goal which was very important. We played defensively and managed to limit the deficit to just one goal” Nyanzi said.

“For the return leg we are going to have an all out attack. All 11 players are going to be attack minded cause we need to score to win,” Nyanzi added.

Geoffrey Gaganga is expected to start for UCU following the suspension of defender Fred Atuhwera, who picked up two yellow cards.

This is UCU’s first appearance at the semi-final stage having been knocked out in the quarterfinals for the last five consecutive seasons.

Bugema, on the other hand, are playing in the second consecutive semi-final in only their third season in the league.

The winner of tomorrow’s game will face the winner between Uganda Martyrs University and St. Lawrence who play their second leg on Friday at Nkozi. That tie is level at 1-1. The Final is scheduled for Sunday 3rd November at Namboole Stadium.