FIXTURES
Semifinal (first leg games)
Kampala University vs. Makerere University
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Nkumba University vs. Uganda Martyrs
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Former winners Makerere University and Kampala University will contest the standout tie as the semifinals of this season’s Nile Special University Football League (UFL) kick off next week. The UFL draw made Tuesday this week pitted the two giants against each other in the semi-final whose first leg is to be played on November 2. Kampala University will host the first leg before a return encounter a week later. In the second semi-final a day later, Nkumba takes on Uganda Martyrs Nkozi, who were last year’s losing finalists and are also the only team in the semi-finals never to have won the competition.
This will be the second time these teams meet this season after Makerere won their earlier contest 1-0. That result was however later reversed by the competition’s organisers after a section of Makerere fans allegedly attacked the referee and opposition fans. KU were subsequently awarded all the three points.
The lower ranked teams, based on last season’s performance will host the first legs. The return leg of the semi-finals will be played on November 9 and 10 while the third place playoff and the final takes place at Namboole stadium on November 19.
Getting to this stage
To get to the semi-finals, Makerere humbled their greatest rival and last year’s champions Kyambogo 2-0 on aggregate in games were played at the Luzira Prison grounds—a neutral ground—owing to fear of violence between the two institutions. Meanwhile 2013 winners Kampala University eliminated Busitema University on the away goals rule following a 2-2 draw over two legs. This will be KU’s first semi-final since they won the trophy in 2013.
In the second semi Uganda Martyrs Nkozi will be eyeing a second consecutive final appearance, having made it to this stage on the away goals rule against Uganda Christian University Mukono after a 3-3 tie. Nkumba on their part eliminated stubborn Gulu University in a tie that many fans thought Gulu were favourites.