By Elton Mwidu
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Cardinals bounced back in emphatic fashion, thrashing King Ceasor University 6–1 in their second game of the 2025 Pepsi University Football League on Wednesday 15th October at the YES Centre in Nsambya.
Coming off a narrow 1–0 loss to Nkumba University in their opener played in Mukono, UCU entered the match with a point to prove and delivered a commanding performance.
New signing Reagan Ssekisambu was the star of the afternoon, netting a hat-trick with goals in the 22nd, 36th, and 63rd minutes. The forward, who recently joined from Bukedea Comprehensive School, proved clinical in front of goal and was a constant threat to the visitors’ defense.
Team captain Patrick Ogola extended UCU’s lead with a well-taken penalty in the 57th minute and added another in the 85th to complete his brace. Substitute Haruna Nyanzi also got on the scoresheet, coming off the bench to score in the 74th minute and seal the dominant victory.
King Ceasor University, making their debut season in the University Football League, managed a late consolation through Arnold Atusingirire, who converted from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
Speaking after the game, UCU assistant coach Christian Magoba commended his side’s response to their earlier defeat.
“We thank God for this win. We played the way we train and, although we missed several chances, we managed to control the game well,” Magoba said.
Ogola also praised his teammates and the university’s support system.
“I appreciate my fellow players for fighting hard and the administration for always backing us. This win is the result of the hard work we put in during training,” he said.
Despite the loss, King Ceasor captain Mark Nkurunziza remained optimistic about his team’s future.
“We are new in the league and still learning. The teams we face have more experience, but we’ll continue improving and come back stronger,” he said.
The result lifts UCU to the top of their group with three points and a +4 goal difference from two games. King Ceasor remain at the bottom with no points and a –8 goal differential. UCU now await their next fixture as other teams complete their second-round matches.
