By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus – KIU Football team displayed an impressive performance against Bugema University in their fourth match of the 2024/2025 University Football League season but ultimately suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Heading into Wednesday's match, KIU needed a win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. However, the race for the top spot in Group D now remains between Bugema University and Kampala University. Gulu University still has a chance to qualify if they win their remaining matches, though they will need the table leaders to lose all their remaining fixtures.

KIU started the game brilliantly, despite playing on unfamiliar Bugema grounds, but things took a turn in the final seconds of the first half. The decisive moment came in the 45th minute when Bugema’s Joseph Male scored with a well-struck first-time shot.

In the second half, the boys fought back with determination, demonstrating great composure and creating chances, but were unable to find the back of the net. The defense also put up a solid resistance, denying Bugema a second goal, thanks to three spectacular saves from goalkeeper Amoni Eddy.

Despite the disappointing loss, KIU head coach Geoffrey Akabwai expressed confidence in his team's potential, though he admitted he wasn't entirely impressed with the performance.

"I was not impressed with the boys' performance; I expected something better than that. The truth is we played well, but we deserved better," he said.

"The boys played well as a team, and there were moments that give me confidence in what I am trying to build. I believe we will become a strong team," he added.

The defeat left KIU at the bottom of Group D with just one point, while Bugema University solidified its position at the top with nine points. KIU will travel to Gulu this Saturday to face Gulu University in their penultimate group-stage match.

Though KIU cannot progress to the knockout stage even with victories over Gulu and Kampala University, these remaining games will allow Akabwai to further evaluate his team as he looks to return stronger for next season.