UFL: Miod Scores on Debut as IUEA Bounce Back to Beat Bishop Stuart University

Tuesday, November 3
IUEA 2-1 Bishop Stuart University

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Aksam Miod came off the bench to score a debut goal as International University of East Africa (IUEA) began their Pepsi University Football League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bishop Stuart University (BSUM) on Tuesday.

The Kansanga-based side bounced back from last season’s opening-day defeat to the same opponents in Mbarara, getting their campaign off to a winning start in front of their home supporters.

Speaking after the highly contested encounter played at the IUEA playground in Kansanga, head coach Hassan Mawanda revealed that revenge for last season’s defeat was a key motivation for his players.

“We came into this game with last season’s opening defeat in Mbarara against Bishop Stuart on our minds. I had to tell our players that we are at home and we have to make amends, and we have managed to do that.

“However, we are not going to celebrate because we still have big teams to face. Our target is to progress beyond the group stage for the first time ever,” he said.

IUEA took the lead in the second half through Paul Mubiru, who finished off an assist from Primo Irwoth to put the hosts ahead.

Goalkeepers from both sides continued to make important saves, with Sharif Wadala standing out for IUEA, while Collin Mubanyi kept goal for Bishop Stuart University.

In the 62nd minute, Miod was introduced as a replacement for Sharif Ssebunya, and the substitute made an immediate impact.

The forward marked his University Football League debut with a goal in the 85th minute, finding the back of the net with just five minutes of normal time remaining to double IUEA’s advantage and put the hosts firmly in control at 2-0.

However, Bishop Stuart refused to surrender and pulled one back in the 90th minute through Viany Sabiiti, who headed home a well-weighted free kick from the left flank by Atuha Hilary, beating Wadala in goal.

The late goal set up a tense finish as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. Mark OKecho came close to finding another goal, but Wadala produced an important save to preserve IUEA’s advantage.

The final whistle eventually confirmed a 2-1 victory for IUEA, giving them a positive start to their campaign and boosting their ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their four seasons of participation in the competition.