St Lawrence University had a better start of the season with a 3-1 victory against Nkumba University.
Kembo Osman Arafat, Michael Abura, Innocent Matenga were on target for St Lawrence and Kavuma Abbey scored the only goal for the 2016 finalists, Nkumba University.
Kembo Osman got the earliest goal of the league so far that came in the 7th minute of the game held on Wednesday at Crown City, Kavule Campus.
Before getting the lead at home, Davis Nnono boys showed that they wanted an early goal and the first scoring attempt was for Farouk Ssemukuutu but went off target.
In the 7th minute, forward, Kembo Osman put St Lawrence in the lead with a simple tap in, thanks to Aniku Fahad’s well laid cross from the right wing.
Nkumba wanted to answer on two occasions before halftime break but Kiyimba Brian who was later substituted to bring in Kavuma Abbey at the 37th minute mark, was too wasteful and the two open chances he got one on one against the keeper all produced no fruitful results.
Kavuma Abbey on his first touch also got opportunity to level the matters before the break but his efforts went off target.
Only five minutes into second stanza, Michael Abura doubled the 2022 finalists’ lead with a marvelous header and Innocent Matenga laid a teasing cross from the right flank.
In the 59th minute, Innocent Matenga who had a good day in the office sealed the victory with a sweet strike that left then Nkumba University custodian helpless.
With seven minutes on the clock, Kavuma Abbey pulled one for Sulaiman Bbosa charges with a slot in ball, Aniku Fahad failed to clear the ball from the danger zone and Nkumba got a goal to build on ahead of their next game.
This game was also watched by Kyengera Town Mayor, and a musician, Sir Matthias Walulagga.
“It’s unfortunate that we have lost the first game, we have a lot of home work to do, we came prepared but the boys conceded early in the 7th minute, again in second half we conceded early when the bodies were down, that shows that we have some work to do especially to learn especially when the game starts how do you react and it’s unfortunate that we lost 3-1 but a lot of positives picked from this game, we go back and organize and probably come back stronger for the next game.” Says Sulaiman Bbosa, Nkumba University tactician.
Davis Nnono of St Lawrence, despite winning the game, he is not convinced with the display of his boys.
“We won the game but we have a lot to do, we thank God that we got the three points, we are going to build on that, the boys are new, coordination will come in later but the good thing, the boys have the talent, we put them not on pressure, we are demanding them not much, only to get out of the group.” Says Davis Nnono head coach, St Lawrence University
The result put St Lawrence atop of group D.
Since they switched home ground to Kavule from Kampala, St Lawrence remains unbeaten at home.
The league will return on Thursday when, Bishop Stuart hosting new comers, ISBAT University in Mbarara.
