KU battle Bugema for UFL semi-final spot without key defender
KU head coach Vincent Tumusiime acknowledged the weight of Owao’s absence but remains confident in the depth and resilience of his squad.
KU's Okema David (green) takes on Bugema’s Derrick Musinguzi (blue) during the first leg. ( Photos by Gerald Kikulwe)
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Pepsi University Football League (Quarter-final return legs)
Monday (4pm)
KU v Bugema, agg (1-1)
Tuesday
Muteesa v UMU, agg (1-2)
Wednesday
Ndejje v SLAU, agg (1-2)
Thursday
Kampala University (KU) will be without their influential central defender Simon Peter Owao for today’s decisive Pepsi University Football League quarter-final return leg against Bugema University at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba in Mengo.
Owao was sent off in the first leg, which ended 1-1 in Bugema, Luwero District, last Tuesday, and his absence presents a significant setback for KU as they chase a return to the semi-finals, a stage they failed to reach last season.
In that first meeting, Gideon Nsubuga gave KU an early advantage from the penalty spot before substitute Jonah Mwadha struck late to rescue Bugema, capitalising on the numerical advantage following Owao’s dismissal in the 56th minute.
KU head coach Vincent Tumusiime acknowledged the weight of Owao’s absence but remains confident in the depth and resilience of his squad.
“Of course, we are going to miss Owao, but we have other players who can step up in his absence,” Tumusiime said.
KU's Gideon Nsubuga (shirt 8) celebrates his goal with teammates Gilbert Wanume (shirt 17) and Joel Mulwana (shirt 3) during the first leg.
“I expect a tough game. Bugema will come desperate because they need a win. For us, a goalless draw is enough, but we are not going to sit back because we want to win the game," he added.
Tumusiime, who has previously guided KU to two league titles, is expected to rely on key figures such as Nsubuga, Gilbert Wanume, Raymond Kiweewa and Sam Ayebare to drive his side forward.
With the away goals rule still in effect, KU hold a slight advantage, meaning a goalless draw would be enough to see them progress to the semi-finals after scoring away from home.
For Bugema University, however, the equation is straightforward. They must win or force a draw of 2-2 or more to knock out their hosts.
They are still chasing their first league title, having finished third last season, and will need a composed and clinical performance to overturn the tie.
Bugema tactician Meddy Nyanzi admitted the pressure is firmly on his side but backed his players to rise to the occasion.
“The pressure is on us because we have to win,” Nyanzi said. “It won’t be easy, but we have been in such situations before, and I believe we can go there and get the result.”
Bugema will look to attacking threats, Derrick Musinguzi, Eric Sawa, Joseph Male and Arthur Jombwe to deliver the goals required to keep their title ambitions alive.