Following an emphatic 7-3 victory against bitter rivals Kyambogo University, Makerere University’s male goalball team declared their intent to push all the way to gold at the National Disability Sports Gala in Masaka last week.
When Gulu University beat Makerere University Business School (Mubs) 6-2, the battle lines were drawn: it was either Gulu or Makerere.
And when the two favourites met, it was the meanest of victories, 1-0 thanks to Peter Ntale’s goal which gave Makerere six points, three above Gulu.
In one of the decisive matches in this round-robin tournament, Gulu walloped hapless Kyambogo University 8-0 to claim the table summit with a superior goal difference.
That meant that Makerere needed at least a point against Mubs or surrender the title to Gulu. Shockingly, Mubs scored first, through Fred Lubangkene in the second half, piling pressure on Makerere.
All the while, Paul Kakooza, who had been a crucial centre player in the past two games, had not tried throwing the ball even once. Meanwhile, Bernard Ampeire, who had defended brilliantly against Kyambogo, was not even in the lineup. These tactical blunders almost cost them.
But finally Kakooza threw the ball once and it was blocked by Gulu, the second was a goal. A crucial equalizer as it ended 1-1, Makerere claiming gold on seven points, Gulu settling for silver on six.
Mubs got bronze on four points, as pointless Kyambogo finished fourth.
‘We were playing well but the last few games we played under pressure, which somehow slowed us down and we didn’t score as many goals as we had expected. Beating Gulu 1-0 was a rare result.but we managed to win,’ said Makerere coach James Ssenkungu. ‘I was also shocked by our sister university Mubs. I didn’t know they would give us such a hard time.’
Even among the female’s Mubs gave Makerere a hard time, drawing 1-1. But again, Makerere prevailed with seven points, while Gulu got six. This time Kyambogo rose to third on three points, relegating winless Mubs to fourth place.
Makerere also dominated the MVP awards: Ntale taking the males’ gong while Mariam Awino was the best among females.
Coach Ssenkungu attributed Makerere’s double conquest to good preps, and exposure at different tournaments like the East African University Games in Kenya late 2024. And a steady supply of players. For instance, none of the female players who won gold at the 2023 East African University Championship in Nairobi played in Masaka. But the team looked solid and fluid. Defending and scoring efficiently.
‘This is good prep for us ahead of the national university games in December,’ Ssenkungu said.
Overall, Makerere finished third, though Ssenkungu felt they should have done better had they featured in most track and field events. ‘We came a little bit late. And that’s a lesson learnt,’ he said.
MAKERERE SELECT RESULTS
Makerere 7-3 Kyambogo
Makerere 1-0 Gulu
Makerere 1-1 Mubs
MVPs
Peter Ntale (Makerere)
Mariam Awino (Makerere)