Nkumba University kept their University Football League hopes very much alive with a gritty 1-0 victory over ISBAT University on Friday in a low-scoring, high-tension Group C affair at the Nkumba turf that simmered with drama and physical resolve.
A single moment of composure proved decisive. In the 13th minute, Kavuma Abbey stepped up and coolly slotted home a penalty after Nkumba’s attacker was felled in the box, sending ISBAT keeper Eric Lubandi the wrong way and igniting euphoric cheers from the home faithful.
ISBAT chased parity relentlessly, fashioning promising openings before the break, but their forwards proved wasteful in the final third.
The second half descended into a niggly, combative contest with both backlines stubborn, challenges flying, and chances at a premium — until the final whistle confirmed a narrow but vital triumph for the champions.
The result leaves ISBAT stranded at the foot of Group C with zero points from two matches, and mounting pressure now sits heavy on newly appointed coach Ssekiziyivu Juma, who took over from Edwin Laston Haumba earlier this month.
For Nkumba, the hard-earned victory breathes fresh oxygen into their campaign and keeps their bid for the knockout phase very much alive; Kyambogo University still topples the group with a perfect six points from two outings.
The University Football League spectacle rolls on Saturday in Bombo, where Ndejje University will lock horns with Kumi University in an eagerly awaited clash that could yet reshape Group C’s pecking order.
