Uganda Martyrs, St Lawrence lock horns in delicately poised semi

Former champions Uganda Martyrs University and last season’s third place finishers St. Lawrence University face off for the fourth time this season in a delicately poised Pepsi University Football League semifinal second leg this afternoon at the Nkozi campus.

Unlike the past three meetings including the 1-1 first leg draw, there must be a winner with the teams to be separated by a penalty shootout in case of another stalemate.

It is a situation both sides are keen to avoid.

“It is indeed interesting that all the games we have played have ended in draws. This time round there is a final at stake and we are going to do all that it takes to qualify in normal time,” Uganda Martyrs Sports Tutor Tony Ssali said.

Wary of penalties
“We would rather not go into penalties but if we do we shall be prepared,” Ssali added.

This is St Lawrence’s second consecutive semi-final appearance and coach Davis Nnono is keen to avoid a repeat of last season.

“Last season we were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Kampala University and we are determined to avoid that this season,” Nnono said.

“We believe we have all that it takes to win the game and are going to give it our very best effort. This time we shall have a winner which winner shall be St. Lawrence,” Nnono added.

Uganda Martyrs will be without midfielders Raymond Othieno and John Nakibinge while St. Lawrence will be without midfielder George Kiryowa.