- Uganda Martyrs 2-0 Bugema
On a full of life Tuesday night in Nkozi, Uganda Martyrs College confirmed grit, persistence and sophistication to earn an important 2-0 first-leg win over Bugema College within the College Soccer League semi finals.
The Saints could have left it late, however their second-half breakthrough delivered by Tumusiime Emmanuel and Lagu Richard has positioned them in a commanding place heading into the return leg subsequent week in Bugema.
From the opening whistle, it was clear the hosts had come out with intent. Simply 10 minutes in, ahead Kidega Godfrey discovered himself with a golden alternative to place the Saints forward, however his close-range strike drifted simply large. The near-miss was adopted by one other simply 5 minutes later, as Kidega once more threatened to breach the Hornets’ protection however did not hit the goal.
Regardless of Uganda Martyrs’ dominance in possession and territory, Bugema stood tall all through the primary half. The guests absorbed wave after wave of strain, with defender Kagoda Charles making an important interception to chop out a harmful Agamile Ivan cross certain for Jjonga Nicholas. Goalkeeper Kalungi Ronald was additionally alert, diving low to his left to disclaim Kidega in what proved to be the final large probability earlier than the break.
Goalless at halftime, the Saints regrouped and returned with sharper urgency and it paid off simply six minutes into the second half. Tumusiime Emmanuel unleashed a long-range effort that beat Kalungi and despatched the house crowd into raptures.
The objective injected confidence into the hosts, who continued to probe. Lagu Richard got here shut shortly after the hour mark, narrowly lacking the goal following a well-weighted move from Kayondo.
Bugema, to their credit score, continued to battle, holding their defensive form underneath rising strain. However the Saints stored pushing, and with 5 minutes to play, their persistence paid off once more. Lagu, this time with higher precision, doubled the lead after one other harmful build-up cementing a well-earned benefit for Uganda Martyrs forward of the return leg.
With a two objective cushion, UMU now head to Bugema on April fifteenth with momentum firmly on their aspect as they chase a semifinal spot.
Because the College Soccer League heats up, consideration briefly shifts to Kavule on April tenth, the place SLAU holding a slender edge, will battle IUIU in one other essential second-leg tie.
