(Agg 2-1)
St. Lawrence College (SLAU) has as soon as once more confirmed its mettle on the largest stage of college soccer, reserving a spot within the 2024/25 Pepsi College Soccer League (UFL) closing, their third in historical past after edging Islamic College in Uganda (IUIU) 2-1 on mixture.
A 1-0 victory at their fortress in Kavule on Thursday night sealed the deal in entrance of a roaring residence crowd.
The Saints walked onto the pitch at Kavule with historical past on their facet, having gone six years unbeaten at residence, and it didn’t take lengthy to see why.
From the primary whistle, SLAU set the tone—quick, aggressive, and decided. Simply eight minutes into the sport, Matege Harmless fired the primary warning shot, making an attempt his luck from vary. Although the ball sailed extensive, the message was clear: SLAU was right here to win.
The hosts tightened their grip simply seven minutes later. Ziraba Ronnie bulldozed by means of two defenders, however his try was blocked by Imunyo Allan, highlighting the early a method visitors in favor of SLAU.
Then got here the second that lit up Kavule.Kembo Osuman Arafat, a reputation that has grown acquainted to the Saints’ trustworthy, acquired on the tip of a exact supply from Ssentongo Ivan to fireside residence the opener.
The gang erupted. The Saints had not solely taken the lead on the night however regained the benefit within the tie. Kavule, as soon as once more, was dwelling as much as its legend.
Kembo wasn’t accomplished. On the half-hour mark, he got here shut once more, drawing a sensible save from IUIU’s Musasizi Sadat. However IUIU wasn’t happening with out a battle.
Their midfield engine Onongo Dennis took issues into his personal palms, driving by means of the center and letting fly a low strike that skidded simply inches previous the submit.
Simply earlier than halftime, SLAU almost doubled their lead when Matege whipped in a harmful ball to Kembo who couldn’t get a clear contact. Imunyo cleared and the primary half ended with the Saints holding a slim however important 2-1 mixture lead.
After the break, IUIU got here out with renewed objective. Simply three minutes in, Mumali Faisal discovered house down the best and let rip a shot that rattled the woodwork, so shut, but so merciless for the guests.
Because the hour mark handed, the guests turned up the warmth. They pushed ahead with affected person buildup, and once more it was Onongo who regarded to make one thing occur, drawing a foul simply exterior the realm. However the referee waved it away, a lot to the frustration of the IUIU bench.
With ten minutes to go, the match changed into a nervous chess recreation. SLAU held agency, absorbing stress as IUIU desperately sought the equalizer that might push the match to penalties. The Saints, nonetheless, stayed resolute.
As the ultimate whistle blew, jubilation erupted in Kavule. The Saints had accomplished it. For the third time of their historical past, St. Lawrence College is heading to the UFL closing, proving as soon as once more that consistency, residence benefit, and coronary heart are on the core of their footballing philosophy.
Now, consideration shifts to April fifteenth, the place Uganda Martyrs College Nkozi seems to be to defend their 2-0 first-leg lead towards Bugema College within the second semifinal.
