By Dismas Nuwaine
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Cardinals have advanced to the semifinals of the Pepsi University Football League. This highly entertaining and dramatic game took place yesterday at the UCU grounds, where the two teams battled it out.
This follows their humiliation of Nkumba University in the thrilling quarter-final second leg tie, which ended two goals to zero.
It’s worth noting that everything was on the line for the two teams yesterday, with a spot in the semifinals up for grabs for any team brave enough to breach their opponent’s defenses.
Brian Kakaire, the assistant coach of the Cardinals side heaped praise on his team for the phenomenal performance that was on display.
“It was perfect and the execution was brilliant. We planned to have a goal in the first five minutes and we had it, adding another after 30 minute, “said Kakaire assuring.
Suleiman Mbosa, the coach of the Nkumba outfit, was not at all thrilled with his team’s performance as he pointed to the several mistakes made.
“We have a problem converting chances. We should have won the game in the first game, but we couldn’t,”asserted Mbosa.
“What kills football are mistakes, and that very penalty was a refereeing mistake,” assured Mbosa angrily.
The Cardinals got off to a fast start, and within six minutes, Ofyrwoth lsaac pounced on a well-worked cross, calmly tucking it into the back of the net.
The Cardinals stabilized after this goal as they tamed the tempo and looked more of a threat than their opponents.
Moments later, Gagganga, the Cardinal’s skipper and captain, worked through the defense in Nkumba’s final third, arrowing a shot only to be inches off the top cross bar.
The UCU Cardinals continued on the press as they asked all the questions to a seemingly answerless Nkumba, which held till half time, ending 1:0.
The second half started where the first left off as the Cardinals were awarded a penalty which Mbalaga David coolly slotted home beyond the reach of the Nkumba keeper.
The Cardinals held on to bag a sensational win, which has propelled them to the semifinals of the Pepsi University Football League.
The Cardinals will have to wait for the other quarterfinal game between Makerere University Business School and Kyambogo University to know their next opponents in the semifinal.
“Whichever team comes, we shall face it as it comes. We are thoroughly ready to counter any opposition, “remarked a stern-looking Kakaire.
David Mbalaga, one of the scorers of the night, is also sure of their progress from the forthcoming semi-final clash.
“We have a big chance; our team is very solid at the back and we do not concede much. “Surely, we are confident of a win no matter the opponent,” remarked David.
One thing that is for sure in football is that the higher you go, the hotter it most certainly becomes, but one thing we’ll wait to find out is whether the UCU Cardinals are ready to handle the heat.
