Kampala, Uganda: The race for semi-final spots in the 2025/26 Pepsi University Football League remains wide open after tightly contested first-leg quarterfinal matches across the country.
With narrow scorelines and away goals coming into play, all eight teams remain in contention ahead of the decisive return legs scheduled this week.
Kumi University and YMCA Comprehensive Institute settled for a 1-1 draw in their first-leg encounter. YMCA took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 50th minute when Ashraf Luggya scored an Olympico—directly from a corner kick.
Kumi responded in the 64th minute through Cuthbert Muge, who capitalised on a well-delivered ball from Nathan Walwasa to restore parity.
The tie now shifts to Buwambo for the return leg, with everything still to play for.
UMU, St Lawrence take slim advantages
Defending champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) carry a narrow 2-1 lead into their second leg against Muteesa I Royal University.
Richard Lagu and Allan Odong were on target for UMU, while Ali Lutwama’s late penalty kept Muteesa firmly in the contest.
St Lawrence University also hold a 2-1 advantage over Ndejje University following their first-leg victory at Kavule.
Ronnie Ziraba and Sharafah Mukiibi scored for St Lawrence, while Davis Musinguzi grabbed a crucial away goal for Ndejje to keep their hopes alive ahead of the return leg in Luweero.
Kampala, Bugema finely balanced
Kampala University and Bugema University remain level at 1-1 heading into their second leg at the FUFA Technical Centre, Kadiba.
The evenly poised tie is expected to be one of the most competitive clashes of the quarterfinal stage.
With no team holding a commanding lead, the quarterfinals are set for dramatic finishes as:
Kampala host Bugema (Monday)
Ndejje face St Lawrence (Tuesday)
Muteesa I Royal host UMU (Wednesday)
YMCA take on Kumi (Thursday)
The four aggregate winners will advance to the semi-finals, which will also be played over two legs before the grand final.
This year’s edition of the Pepsi University Football League expanded from 23 to 29 universities, with new entrants including King Ceasor University, Mountains of the Moon University, African Renewal University, Soroti University, and Lira University.
The competition remains a key platform for nurturing young football talent, with participation limited to registered students under the age of 26.
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