By Edwin Kule
Uganda Christian University (UCU) secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Makerere University in the University Football League on Thursday.
Isaac Ofoyirwoth scored the all-important goal as the hosts gathered bragging rights on the day in front of a huge crowd in the stands. The first leg ended 2-1 in favor of Makerere, and the UCU’s away goal turned out to be the difference.
The UCU Cardinals pulled off a stunning victory to revenge the Makerere Enzymes that beat them 2-0 in the just concluded AUUS Inter-University games that were held in Mukono.
The game was treated to an electric start as both sides drew bodies upfront in search of an early opener.
Ivan Oceng was tripped on the edge of the box before he decided to take the challenge, but his effort could not get past the wall, thus wasting a glorious chance.
Osuna Cosmas tested UCU custodian Collins Wesonga with a powerful curler, but the goalkeeper was equal to the challenge in the 27th minute.
Three minutes later, Ofoyirwoth guided the ball into the back of the net after the assistant referee sighted an offside in the beautiful buildup.
At the start of the second stanza, UCU head coach Jimmy Kintu introduced forward Derrick Tenywa for midfielder Ivan Mutebi.
The long-awaited moment finally came to pass in the 48th minute as Ofoyirwoth broke the deadlock.
This was a gift from Makerere custodian Joel Wejuli, who gave defender Maurice Wansagi a chilly pass in front of the 16-yard area. Geoffrey Gaganga was alert, winning possession, but his effort was blocked by Wejuli before Ofoyirwoth scored from a rebound.
From that juncture, the game opened up as the hosts kept knocking on the visitors’ door; however, Makerere’s skipper, Ian Mudhasi, was so calm and composed at the back.
Gaganga set up the on-running Tenywa, who swiftly tapped the ball past Wejuli; however, it was flagged offside, and the home crowd demonstrated in denial of the call.
But at the end of the day, it was a victory for the home side, which matched into the semifinals, awaiting for the other three sides to complete the puzzle.
