Kampala, Uganda: Muteesa I Royal University have reached their first-ever Pepsi University Football League final after a commanding 3-1 victory over St Lawrence University in the semi-final second leg.
The historic win secures Muteesa a place in the final, where they will face YMCA Comprehensive Institute in a highly anticipated showdown.
Playing away from home, Muteesa started brightly and took an early lead through Katende Eric, who connected from a well-delivered cross by captain Ali Lutwama.
St Lawrence University responded swiftly, levelling through Ssemanda Collins with a well-taken free kick to revive hopes for the hosts.
However, Muteesa regained control, with Lutwama stepping up to score a superb free kick that restored their advantage before halftime.
In the second half, the visitors dominated proceedings, and Brian Rwothomio sealed the victory after capitalising on a rebound to make it 3-1.
Katende, who was named Player of the Day, nearly added another but struck the post, while SLAU’s Owane Yasin was denied by goalkeeper Ssemukasa.
In the other semi-final, YMCA Comprehensive Institute progressed after a tense penalty shootout victory over Kampala University.
Following two goalless legs, YMCA triumphed 6-5 on penalties, with goalkeeper Senabulya emerging as the hero after saving crucial spot-kicks.
Trevor Makubuya converted the decisive penalty to send YMCA into the final, capping a remarkable run that saw them survive group stage uncertainty before gaining momentum in the knockout rounds.
The final will pit Muteesa’s structured and attacking football against YMCA’s resilience and fighting spirit, setting up a compelling clash between two determined sides.
Meanwhile, St Lawrence University will face Kampala University in the third-place playoff.
The Pepsi University Football League, organised by Red Rhino Group and funded by Crown Beverages Limited, continues to expand its footprint in Ugandan football.
The competition, which features student-athletes under the age of 26, has grown from 23 to 29 participating universities this season, reflecting its rising importance in talent development.
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