In what has become the most captivating story of the season, YMCA Comprehensive Institute has emerged as the ultimate surprise package of the 2025/26 Pepsi University Football League, defying odds, silencing critics, and writing a fairytale run to the final.

Few would have predicted this incredible journey. YMCA’s campaign nearly fell apart in the group stages, only for fate to intervene through a dramatic boardroom decision that saw them progress amid allegations of fielding ineligible players.

For many, their place in the knockout stage was questioned but for YMCA, it became the spark of belief.

They carried that second chance into the quarter-finals, where they edged past Kumi University with a hard fought 2-1 aggregate victory, showing early signs of resilience and grit.

But it is their semi final triumph over Kampala University that truly defined their status as the tournament’s miracle side.

Over two legs, neither team managed to find the back of the net in a tense and tactical battle that stretched the full 180 minutes.

With no breakthrough in open play, the tie was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Under immense pressure, YMCA held their nerve to win 6-5, thanks largely to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Senabulya.

 The shot stopper rose to the occasion, denying Ayebale Samuel and Raymond Kiweewa.

Trevor Makubuya then scored winning penalty to send YMCA into the final and spark wild celebrations.

It was a moment that summed up their entire campaign unexpected, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Now, YMCA stand just one game away from completing a historic run.

They await the winner between St Lawrence University and Muteesa I Royal University, in what promises to be another high stakes encounter.

Despite the magnitude of the achievement, YMCA head coach Francisco Ejuku remains grounded, acknowledging just how unexpected their journey has been.

“Reaching the final was never our dream. We only prepared for the quarter finals. This is a miracle for us, but we are ready to put up a good show in the final.” Ejuku remarked.

From boardroom drama to penalty shootout glory, YMCA’s rise has transformed them into the heartbeat of this year’s competition a true miracle team and a reminder that football still has room for the unexpected.

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Pepsi University Football League (UFL) 2025/26:

Quarter final (1st Leg):

• Uganda Marytrs University Nkozi 2-1 Muteesa 1 Royal University

It is advantage Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi after a slim 2-1 victory over Muteesa 1 Royal University during the first leg of the quarterfinals for the 2025/26 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) on Wednesday, 25th March 2026.

Richard Lagu and Allan Odong scored in either half for Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi.

Ali Lutwama got a stoppage minute penalty for the consolation of the visitors to give them hope prior to the return leg next week.

Lagu opened the scoring business as early as the 6th minute, thanks to Francis Ogwang’s assist.

Gabriel Ogen assisted Odong in the second goal for the hosts coming in the 92nd minute before Lutwama’s penalty at the death of the game.

The quarter-finals continue on Thursday, 26th March 2026 as St Lawrence University host Ndejje University at Kavule campus playground.

On Friday, Nkumba University will visit Kumi University.

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Pepsi University Football League 2025/26:

Group A:

• Kampala International University (KIU) 4-0 University of Kisubi (UniK)

Group D:

• Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 2-0 Gulu University

Group B:

• African Renewal University 1-3 International University of East Africa (IUEA)

Group B:

• Muteesa 1 Royal University 1-2 to Bugema University

Kampala International University (KIU) recorded their second victory of the season at the on-going 2025-2026 University Football League (UFL) season with 4-0 result over University of Kisubi (UniK) on Friday afternoon.

Emmanuel Okiror, Isaac Musasizi, Patrick Sekandi and Gerald Ndabirawo (penalty) scored for KIU at Hamz Stadium in Kampala.

Okiror opened the scoring business as early as the second minute off Sekandi’s assist.

Musasizi doubled the lead on the quarter hour mark off Ndabirawo’s donkey-work for a 2-0 lead by the break.

Sekandi found the third goal, off another Ndabirawo’s assist on the hour mark before man of the moment Ndabirawo sealed the misery for UniK with a penalty, six minutes from full-time.

KIU, coached by Steven Akabwayi now has 7 points, same as Kampala University and Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi.

UniK’s Jessy Lukoki remains win-less in four matches.

Other results:

Makerere University Business School (MUBS) defeated Gulu University 2-0 during a Group D duel at the MUBS Arena, Nakawa.

Timothy Kyagulanyi and Joe Mbabazi scored in either half for MUBS’ victory before the home fans.

Kyagulanyi opened the scoring business with a well struck penalty in the 17th minute.

Mbabazi added the second with three minutes to the climax of the well contested duel.

This was MUBS’ first victory of the season which takes them to three points from two games, same as St Lawrence University and Gulu University.

Lira University is the other team in this pool and has not yet picked a point.

Meanwhile, in Group B; International University of East Africa (IUEA) won 3-1 away to Africa Renewal University in Buloba.

Ddrissa Mayinja, Cyprian Okello and Sharif Ssebunya scored for IUEA, a team coached by former Uganda Cranes international Hassan Wasswa Mawanda.

Jamil Kajubi scored the consolation for Africa Renewal University, a well struck penalty.

IUEA gets to four points, five behind leaders Muteesa 1 Royal University. Bugema University has 8 points and Bishop Stuart University is on 6 points.

Muteesa 1 Royal University lost 1-2 to Bugema University at Hamz stadium (Nakivubo War Memorial grounds).

Eric Sawa and Owen Ssenyonga (penalty) were on target for Bugema University in the 48th and 76th minutes respectively.

Brian Rwothomio got the only goal for Muteesa 1 Royal University.

Next Matches:

The league continues on Saturday, 28th February 2026 as Makerere University hosts Uganda Christian University (UCU) at Makerere before Sunday’s showdown when Busitema takes on YMCA in Busitema.

The University Football League is headlined by Crown Beverages Limited under the Pepsi brand.

This league has over the years given a viable platform to students express themselves on the football field, as they develop their talents.

Virtually, players, coaches, administrators, referees and journalists have been nurtured through this league.

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