Were stars as UCU reach maiden University Football League final
Hero. Were (R) receives his Award from Pepsi’s Timothy Luzinda. PHOTO: I. KEZAALA
Uganda Christian University (UCU) reached the final of the Pepsi University Football League with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Bugema University in a dramatic game played yesterday.
Derrick Were was the hero for the Mukono-based institution saving two spot kicks before converting his to deliver the desired victory.
UCU coach Kintu Mwera had predicted a close semifinal tie and his opponents made it so with a late fight back.
Final 10 minutes
The hosts levelled the tie with goals in the final 10 minutes from Frank Mugomba and an Isaac Musiima strike in the fifth and final minute of added time for a 2-1 win on the day.
The result left the teams tied three-all on aggregate before the dreaded post-match shoot-out.
UCU’s triumph is the first time they have reached the final having previously fallen at the quarterfinal stage in each of the past five seasons.
Despite the second leg fight back, Bugema have now fallen at the semifinal stage for the second consecutive time.
UCU now await 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, November 3 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
