Joshua Balliner delivered a hat-trick to lead the University of Santo Tomas to a dominant 5-1 victory over the University of the East in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Balliner opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Although not as quick as his season-fastest goal against UE on October 18 — when he found the back of the net just 10 seconds into the match to help secure a 3-0 UST victory — his early strike once again set the tone for the Golden Booters.

(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team

Unlike their first-round encounter, however, the Red Warriors quickly responded, with Keith Hermoso powering through for the equalizer in the 13th minute.

Balliner restored UST’s lead just five minutes later before Carsten Pumareja extended the advantage in the 29th minute, sending the Golden Booters into halftime with a 3-1 cushion.

Novie Paraiso made it 4-1 in the 62nd minute, setting the stage for Balliner to put the finishing touches on the victory and complete his first hat-trick of the season with an 82nd-minute strike.

With another three points secured, UST moved to fourth place with 14 points, level with De La Salle University but behind the Green Booters on goal difference, +8 to +13.

(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team

“We dedicate this win to Fr. Rodel Cansansio, who is celebrating his birthday,” shared assistant coach Carlos Santiago.

“We told the boys that they didn’t need to score much; just a win of 1-0 will do. Kasi yun ang goal namin to gain the three points, but the boys played well as they knew the urgency. They had the confidence, determination and discipline against UE,” he continued.

Both squads return to action at the UP Diliman Football Stadium on Thursday.

UST kicks off the day’s fixtures at 2 p.m., looking to overtake DLSU for third place, while UE searches for its first points of the season in the 7 p.m. finale against Ateneo de Manila University.

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Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC captain Gloria Namugerwa believes her team’s impressive start to the 2026/27 FUFA Women’s Super League season is the result of hard work, proper preparation, and a squad that has learned to pull in the same direction.

With new faces blending into an established group of players, Namugerwa says the changes made within the team have started paying off, but insists their performances are no accident.

“This season, we’ve changed quite a lot of things. We have new faces, and they have been a good addition to the team. And of course, the old players, we’ve done so much,” she said.

The captain is particularly pleased with how the team has responded to the preparations made before the campaign, explaining that their current form reflects the work put in behind the scenes.

“We’ve had enough preparations. What we are doing is not a surprise. They have tried to organise us, and as players, we’ve been doing so hard to see the fire burning,” Namugerwa added.

Her words come at a time when Uganda Martyrs are enjoying life at the top of the table after a strong opening six matches.

The Lubaga-based side climbed to first place on Saturday, November 7, following a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against newcomers Jinja United WFC at Phillip Omondi Stadium.

It was not the easiest afternoon for the hosts after Jinja United struck first in the eighth minute, putting Uganda Martyrs on the back foot.

However, they showed the character that has defined much of their campaign. Midfielder Immaculate Nakanjako brought them level in the 22nd minute before an own goal by Janat Babirye completed the comeback and secured all three points.

Forward Auki Angel Kigongo also had reason to celebrate after being named Woman of the Match for the third time this season, another indication of her importance to the team, having also bagged three goals so far this season.

For Namugerwa, the secret behind their consistency lies in the attitude they carry into every fixture. She revealed that the players make promises to themselves and the technical team before stepping onto the pitch, with everyone sharing one objective.

“Well, before entering any game, we make promises to ourselves and to the entire technical team. But all we have one voice that is winning the game. We want to win each and every game that comes our way,” she said.

That desire to win has been reflected in their results. Uganda Martyrs have collected 13 points from six matches, winning four, drawing one and losing once.

Their only defeat came in October when they suffered a narrow 2-1 away loss to defending champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC. They have since put that disappointment behind them, responding with important victories, including a 1-0 win over St Noa Girls FC.

The victory against Jinja United was another test of their character, particularly after falling behind early. Rather than panic, Uganda Martyrs found a way back into the contest and maintained their push for the three points.

After winning against Lady Doves FC, Rines SS WFC, St. Noa Girls FC, Jinja United WFC and drawing with She Corporate, they now lead the standings with 13 points and a goal difference of plus five, the best in the league.

St Noa Girls Zana FC and She Maroons FC follow in second and third place respectively, both on 11 points. St Noa have a goal difference of plus four, while She Maroons have plus two.

KCCA Women FC are fourth with nine points from six matches and a goal difference of plus three, while URA Ladies FC occupy fifth position with nine points from five matches and a goal difference of plus one.

Although the campaign is still young, Uganda Martyrs have given themselves a strong foundation to build on. However, there is little room for complacency.

The post Namugerwa reveals secret behind Uganda Martyrs’ flying start appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

• FUFA Women Super League | MD 6 
• Uganda Martyrs LWFC 2-1 Jinja United WFC 

Auki Angel Kigongo is making a habit of collecting individual honours this season, and her latest recognition came on an evening when Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Women Football Club climbed to the top of the FUFA Women Super League table.

Having won the accolade against Rines SS WFC and She Corporate FC, Kigongo claimed her third Woman of the Match award of the campaign as Uganda Martyrs fought back from a goal down to beat newcomers Jinja United WFC 2-1 at the Phillip Omondi Stadium on Saturday evening.

Although she did not get her name on the scoresheet, Kigongo remained a constant threat, troubling the visitors with her set-piece deliveries and attacking runs. Her performance showed her growing importance to a Uganda Martyrs side that continues to impress this season.

The hosts did not have things their way from the start. Jinja United caught them off guard in the eighth minute when Patricia Babirye found the back of the net with a well-taken finish to put the visitors ahead.

Uganda Martyrs responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Aidah Namuwonge had an opportunity in the 15th minute, but her effort was stopped by a Jinja United defender.

The pressure eventually told in the 22nd minute when Immaculate Nakanjako brought the hosts level. It was a special moment for the midfielder, who celebrated her first goal of the season to make it 1-1.

With the game back on level terms, Uganda Martyrs grew in confidence. Kigongo came close to giving them the lead in the 39th minute, but the Jinja United goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep out her free-kick.

The hosts continued knocking on the door before half-time. In the third minute of added time, Kigongo delivered a dangerous corner that found captain Gloria Namugerwa, whose effort narrowly missed the target.

Both sides went into the break with everything still to play for at 1-1.

Uganda Martyrs needed only four minutes after the restart to complete their comeback.

Moreen Kizza sent a dangerous cross into the penalty area in the 49th minute, leaving the Jinja United defender Janat Babirye with an awkward situation. The defender turned the ball into her own net, handing the hosts a 2-1 advantage.

Namuwonge nearly extended the lead in the 56th minute, forcing another fine save from the visiting goalkeeper.

At the hour mark, Uganda Martyrs made their first change, bringing on Jesca Nalubwama for Comfort Aculu as they looked to maintain their advantage.

Jinja United were not ready to leave without a fight. They increased the pressure and came close to finding an equaliser, but Uganda Martyrs stood their ground.

In the 64th minute, the visitors’ goalkeeper made another excellent save before Deborah Nanvule, popularly known as Kante, cleared the ball off the goal line to preserve the hosts’ lead.

Goalkeeper Joan Namususi was also called into action as Jinja United tested her twice during a spell of increased pressure. She remained composed, however, to keep her side in front.

Kigongo almost put the game beyond reach in the closing stages. In the 90th minute, Sharon Kizza produced a lovely set-piece delivery to release the forward, but her effort struck the woodwork.

Uganda Martyrs survived the remaining minutes to claim their sixth-match points and, more importantly, move to the top of the standings.

The victory takes them to 13 points from six matches, with a goal difference of +5, the best in the league.

For Jinja United, the wait for their first point in the top flight continues. The newcomers have shown signs of improvement with each passing match, but Saturday’s narrow defeat was another reminder of how demanding life in the top division can be.

Elsewhere on Saturday, St Noa Girls FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over AMUS College WFC.

After suffering defeat last week, St Noa needed a response, and Monica Buteme provided it with a first-half strike that proved enough to secure all three points.

URA Ladies FC also maintained their positive run, recording back-to-back victories after defeating She Corporate FC 2-0.

Zainah Namuleme and Beatrice Kyokushaba scored for the Tax Collectors, while She Corporate’s difficult spell continued as their winless run stretched to three matches.

Friday’s action had seen Lady Doves FC enjoy a comfortable afternoon in front of their supporters, beating Rines SS WFC 3-0 at the Katusabe Dove Playground in Masindi.

The Believers controlled much of the encounter, with Everline Nandera Kwahero, Wardar Nalutaaya and Docus Kwikiriza finding the net to give the hosts their second victory of the campaign.

A day earlier, She Maroons FC had handed KCCA Women FC their second defeat of the season. Bridget Nabisaalu’s first goal of the campaign proved decisive in the encounter.

Meanwhile, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC’s scheduled meeting with Makerere University WFC at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium was postponed because Makerere are away in Egypt, where they are participating in the CAF Women Champions League.

After six rounds, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC lead the standings with 13 points and a +5 goal difference.

St Noa Girls FC occupy second place with 11 points and a +4 goal difference, level on points with third-placed She Maroons FC.

KCCA Women FC have slipped to fourth with nine points, level with URA Ladies FC, who occupy fifth place but trail KCCA by two goals on goal difference.

There is no change at the top of the scoring chart, with Jesca Namanda and Angel Auki Kigongo leading the race for the Golden Boot on four goals apiece.

Agnes Nabukenya and Kamiyati Naigaga are close behind with three goals each.

The league’s Matchday 7 resumes on Saturday, November 14, with three matches scheduled:

• Rines SS WFC vs KCCA Women FC
• She Corporate FC vs Makerere University WFC
• St Noa Girls Zana FC vs URA Ladies FC

Sunday, November 15, will see another three encounters:

• Jinja United WFC vs AMUS College WFC
• She Maroons FC vs Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
• Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC vs Lady Doves FC

The post Uganda Martyrs turn tables on Jinja United to seize Women’s Super League lead appeared first on Kawowo Sports.