Eric Waisana marked his Pepsi University Football League debut with a moment he will not soon forget, curling a corner kick directly into the net to hand Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) a 1-0 victory over Metropolitan International University on Thursday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The breakthrough came two minutes after the restart, when Waisana whipped a teasing delivery into the penalty area in the 47th minute. The ball drifted past every player in the box, evaded the goalkeeper and nestled in the back of the net, an Olympic goal that settled a tightly contested opening fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.
A Winning Start Built on Composure
Clear-cut chances were few and far between, with both sides showing defensive discipline throughout. Yet IUIU, despite fielding a largely rebuilt squad, looked the calmer and more assured unit on the ball. The few survivors from last season, including captain Sudaisi Masogoi, Faraj Mugambe and Jimmy Mpande, offered steady guidance to their less experienced teammates and helped the Mbale-based side manage the game after taking the lead.
For Metropolitan, making their first appearance in the competition, the defeat was a harsh introduction to life in the league. Coach Mubarak Ssali was candid in his assessment, conceding that his players lacked the experience and composure of their opponents but insisting there were positives to take from the performance.
"It is a learning experience for us. It is true we made some mistakes that cost us the game. Credit to our opponents; they were more experienced and organised," Ssali said. "We are going to use today's lessons to prepare better for our next game."
Captain Sees Away Win as Turning Point
Masogoi described the result as a significant confidence boost, especially given IUIU's struggles on the road last season, which contributed to their failure to reach the quarter-finals.
"It was a difficult game. We struggled in the first half but remained focused, believing that a goal would come. Thankfully, we got it and managed to win," he said. "Starting with an away win is a big motivation for us because last season we struggled to win away matches, and it contributed to our elimination from the competition."
The victory gives IUIU maximum points from their opening fixture and an early foothold in a crowded campaign. A total of 31 universities are competing this season, with the top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed sides, progressing to the quarter-finals.
Metropolitan will have little time to dwell on the loss, with a Sunday encounter against Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) offering an immediate chance to respond.
