By Ian Asabo
The UCU Cardinals consolidated their control of Group A of the University Football League by defeating Kumi University in Mukono.
A second-half peach of a goal by Mbalaga David was the difference as the Cardinals had difficulties in breaking down the side from Eastern Uganda.
It has been difficult to separate the two sides over the course of back to-back games, with the other result ending in a highly entertaining and controversial 2-2 draw in Kumi.
Chances were scarce during the first half as Kumi sat deep with low blocks, stifling out the possession-based game of the Cardinals that heavily relies on the creation of spaces.
It was much different in the second half, as the Cardinals continued to shift the ball from side to side as the Kumi team started getting tired, which led to the creation of better chances.
A quick one-two on the right hand side led to Aaron Ofrywroth breaking free, which led to a sublime cross which David bicycle kicked onto the cross bar and over the line, which led to the referee pointing to the center spot, hence awarding the goal.
Ivan Mutebi, Cardinals midfielder, insists that patience is a virtue that the team must possess because the majority of opponents are going to be difficult to defeat.
“We have to be a patient team because the majority of the teams we are going to face will always try and deny us space in which to play our game,” he says.
Head coach, Mwera Jimmy, has praised the team resiliance after getting a win in a hard-contested game.
“We were slow out of the blocks today, but the team showed the winning mentality and culture to be resolute and patient in order to wait for the right time.” he says.
The Cardinals move to the top of the table with seven points played from three games, and they will look to win the group and advance to the next round.
They face International University of East Africa next in the University Football League in group A
