St. Lawrence University put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to retain their league title on Sunday. It was not the easiest of a final and it required them to die a little to win against Jinja Lions.
With less than two minutes remaining on the clock, Ronald Magwali pounced home a strong header to seal a 3-2 win at FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru. The game had stalled at 2-2 and looked like needing extra time to separate the sides. Jinja Lions, nicknamed the ‘The Sand Kings,’ were playing their first final.
It was St. Lawrence’s fourth league victory on the bounce but the fifth crown altogether. They are now three better than any other side, with MUBS the only side coming closest on two titles.
The contest was tight – characterized by physical battles and high energy levels from both sides. But it was the Saints who drew the first blood through Brian Nkuubi before the stylish Baker Lukooya doubled their advantage as Davis Nnono’s men went into the first break with a two goal cushion.
For Jinja Lions, it was just a game on. They produced a fine display while containing St. Lawrence’s attackers with classy defending and reduced their deficit through the versatile Herbert Onyango in the second period before Shaka Sozzi restored parity for them midway the last period.
At 2-2, the teams played with caution for some few minutes and they all rekindled their quest for a winner as the third period wore on albeit with majorly midfield action. Following a long ball into Jinja Lions’ box, Magwali leapt between two defenders to win it all for his side with a well-timed thumping header to spark wild celebrations amongst the players and the technical area.
When the final whistle went, many Saints sunk in the sand with their chins up – supposedly thanking the almighty for their deliverance from the claws of Jinja Lions.
St. Lawrence walloped MS Sand Lions 8-1 while The Sand Kings defeated Mutoola BSC 6-4 in the play offs to reach the final.
Awards:
Top scorer – Nicholas Mwere (Jinja Lions – 36 goals)
Best goalkeeper – Julius Sseguya (Jinja Lions)
Best coach – Ivan Kulika (Jinja Lions)
MVP – Brian Nkuubi (ST. Lawrence University)
Fair play team – Mutoola BSC
Team of the season (Best five)
Julius Sseguya (Goalkeeper – Jinja Lions)
Sharif Apuuli (Mutoola BSC)
Nicholas Mwere (Jinja Lions)
Baker Lukooya (ST. Lawrence University)
Brian Nkuubi (ST. Lawrence University)
Pictorial:
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