The long wait is finally over for Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU) as they secure a historic place in the knockout rounds of the University Football League after an impressive group stage campaign.
For the first time in seven years, the Mbale-based institution has defied the odds, topping Group A with 12 points from six matches.
Their crowning moment came after a hard-fought draw against reigning champions Nkumba University, sealing their long-anticipated ticket to the quarter-finals.
IUIU’s remarkable run in the group phase saw them rise above expectations, sending a strong message to their competitors as they gear up for a high-stakes showdown against Kampala University (KU) in the quarter-finals.
The latter squeezed into the last eight as the first-best loser, having finished second in Group D with 12 points, just one shy of group leaders Bugema University.
The draws, held at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala on Thursday, March 13, delivered tantalizing matchups that promise fireworks in the two-legged quarter-finals.
- IUIU vs. Kampala University – A battle between Group A winners and Group D’s second-placed team.
- Bugema University vs. Muteesa 1 University – Group D leaders take on Group A’s table toppers.
- Group C Winner vs. Group B Winner – With final group-stage matches still ongoing, Uganda Christian University (UCU) faces St. Lawrence University, while Kabaale University takes on YMCA. Meanwhile, Group B leaders Ndejje University face Kumi University, and Makerere University clashes with Victoria University in their bid for a quarter-final spot.
- Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi vs. Second Best Loser – Having finished atop Group E with 13 points, Uganda Martyrs University awaits their opponent from the second-best loser slot.
As the final fixtures in Groups B and C approach, tension is mounting. UCU currently leads Group C with eight points, just one ahead of St. Lawrence and Kabaale University, while YMCA remains in the mix with five points.
Over in Group B, Ndejje University sits at the summit with nine points, trailed closely by Makerere University with eight, while Kumi University has seven. Victoria University, unfortunately, lags with just two points.
With everything still to play for, the last group-stage battles on Friday, March 14, will determine the final teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
The road to glory intensifies as teams brace for home-and-away quarter-final clashes:
First Leg: March 18th – 22nd
Second Leg: March 24th – 28th
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