University Football League Quarterfinals: Varsities learn knockout opponents

Kampala, (UG):- The Pepsi University Football League has reached the highly anticipated quarterfinal stage, with teams now aware of their opponents in the last 8 and fixture dates for the duels after an intense group phase.

The battle for supremacy saw top universities showcase their talent at the group stage level, and now, the focus shifts to the knockout round where the stakes are even higher.

In Group A, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Nkumba University came out on top at the expense of Busitema and Isbat University who trailed in the group.

Group B was dominated by Ndejje University, who finished with an impressive 12 points. Makerere University, Kumi University, and Victoria University struggled to maintain form and missed out on qualification.

St. Lawrence University emerged as Group C winners with 10 points, comfortably booking their place in the next round, but Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kabale University, and YMCA University fell short in their bid to advance.

Group D had Bugema University topping the table with 13 points, followed closely by Kampala University with 12 points. Both teams progressed to the quarterfinals, while Gulu University and Kampala International University (KIU) were eliminated.

Group E was one of the most competitive, but Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) stood out, finishing with a remarkable 16 points—the highest total among all groups. Muni University, University of Kisubi (UK), and The International University of East Africa (IUEA) failed to qualify.

Group F featured debutants Muteesa Royal 1, who made an instant impact by finishing top with 9 points. They edged out Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) to secure their quarterfinal berth.

Quarterfinal Fixtures Confirmed

As the knockout stage (quarterfinal) begins, teams will be eager to prove their dominance. Defending champions Nkumba face a tough test against a formidable Uganda Martyrs side, while debutants Muteesa Royal 1 hope to extend their fairy-tale run against Bugema.

St. Lawrence and Ndejje will battle in a highly anticipated showdown, while Kampala University and IUIU will fight for a spot in the semifinals.

Below is the fixture for the quarterfinals

• March 18: Muteesa Royal 1 vs. Bugema University (Masaka)
• March 19: Nkumba University vs. Uganda Martyrs University (Nkumba)
• March 20: St. Lawrence University vs. Ndejje University (Kavule)
• March 21: Kampala University vs. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) (Nsambya)

The return legs will follow a week after, determining which teams will advance to the semifinals:

• March 24: Bugema University vs. Muteesa Royal 1 (Bugema)
• March 25: Uganda Martyrs University vs. Nkumba University (Masaka, Nkonzi)
• March 26: Ndejje University vs. St. Lawrence University (Ndejje)
• March 27: Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) vs. Kampala University (Mbale)

With the title race heating up, the Pepsi University Football League quarterfinals promise thrilling action as universities vie for a place in the final four.