For years cast as outsiders, YMCA have rewritten their narrative in emphatic fashion, storming into their first-ever University Football League (UFL) final after a tense penalty shootout triumph over Kampala University in Buwambo.
The semi-final, played over two legs, yielded no goals but delivered relentless tension.
Kampala University — twice champions and widely favoured — appeared poised to advance.
Yet, when it mattered most, they were outmatched by YMCA’s resilience and composure under pressure.
The shootout proved decisive. YMCA converted six of their penalties with remarkable calm, as Trevor Makubuya stepped up to dispatch the winning kick following an earlier miss by Amos Makela.
In contrast, Kampala University faltered twice, their pursuit of a third title slipping away in dramatic fashion.
Beyond the result, this victory signals a significant shift. YMCA have not only reached the final; they have asserted themselves among the competition’s elite, marking a defining moment in their football journey.
Attention now turns to the other semi-final, where St Lawrence University and Mutesa I Royal University remain deadlocked after a goalless first leg.
The outcome of Thursday’s return fixture at Kavule will determine who stands between YMCA and an unprecedented crown.
