Ndejje University, the defending champions from the 2022/23 season, kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought victory against Makerere University in an exhilarating showdown.
Despite facing a formidable challenge, Ndejje showcased their championship qualities and emerged victorious in a game filled with twists and turns.
Right from the start, Ndejje asserted their dominance and took an early lead, showcasing the form that had earned them the championship title in the previous season.
However, Makerere Bulls, undeterred by the reputation of their opponents, mounted an impressive comeback, seizing control of the game and finishing the first half with a two-goal advantage.
The halftime scoreboard displayed a score of 17-19 in favor of the resilient Makerere Bulls.
The Ndejje Hoppers faced difficulties coping with the swift movements and pace set by the Makerere Bulls in the midfield, resulting in a perceived sluggishness during their transitions.
Captain Daniel Bongomin attempted to rally his team with his powerful attacks from the side, but unfortunately, he lacked the necessary support, particularly in the defensive department.
The second half saw Ndejje regaining their composure and launching a determined counterattack.
They swiftly scored the first goal of the half, signaling their intent to overturn the deficit.
However, Makerere quickly responded, extending their lead to two goals through the efforts of Keith Begumisa and Emma Lukenge.
Undeterred by the setback, Ndejje relentlessly fought back, leveling the score at 29 all.
Every time the Bulls threatened to break away, the Hoppers closed the gap, showcasing their resilience and determination.
With the score tied at 29, Ndejje had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Unfortunately, Victor Obed was unable to convert a crucial one-on-one chance against Makerere’s goalkeeper.
However, Obed redeemed himself later in the game, scoring the decisive goal that propelled Ndejje into a one-point lead.
With three minutes remaining on the clock, Daniel Bongomin extended their advantage to two goals with a remarkable effort.
The game reached its climax as Makerere desperately attempted to equalize. However, time was not on their side, and the final whistle blew, signaling Ndejje University’s hard-earned victory with a close scoreline of 32-31.
Ndejje’s triumph over Makerere in this thrilling season opener sets the tone for an exciting season ahead.
Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, promising fierce competition in the upcoming matches.
Ndejje University aim to defend their title, while the Makerere Bulls are eager to bounce back from their narrow defeat and pose a significant challenge to the reigning champions.
With the threat of dethroning the Hoppers, fans can anticipate more gripping encounters in the upcoming matches.
In the upcoming matches, Ndejje University will face Evergreen, while Makerere University is set to engage in another exciting university derby against Kyambogo in game week four.
In other matches, Kyambogo University secured a hard-fought victory over Evergreen with a final score of 33-30.
However, their women’s team couldn’t replicate the success as they suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Ndejje’s women’s team, with a lopsided scoreline of 11-44.
