Rubangakane Atube’s early strike secured Gulu University a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ndejje University, extending the Elephants’ remarkable record of away wins in the Pepsi University Football League.
Gulu University strengthened their place in Pepsi University Football League (UFL) history after edging Ndejje University 1-0 in a fiercely contested encounter, courtesy of Rubangakane Atube’s first-half strike.
Atube struck in the 15th minute to hand the Elephants all three points, marking their third away victory in the competition since making their debut in 2014.
Credit to Jackshots
The decisive goal followed a move initiated by goalkeeper Jackson Otim, with Atube finishing clinically to give the visitors an early advantage.
Ndejje enjoyed considerable possession in the opening half but struggled to break down Gulu’s well-organised defence, with the hosts finding it difficult to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Gulu remained a threat on the counterattack and nearly doubled their lead before the break when Atube capitalised on a defensive error. However, his effort lacked the power to beat the advancing goalkeeper, allowing a Ndejje defender to clear the ball off the goal line.
The hosts returned with renewed determination after the interval, piling pressure on Gulu in search of an equaliser.
Their best opportunity came in the 65th minute when Mutaka released Baraza, whose powerful effort towards the top corner was brilliantly tipped away by Otim to preserve Gulu’s advantage.
Ndejje continued to push forward, but the Elephants remained disciplined and resilient at the back.
Gulu nearly put the contest beyond doubt in the 75th minute when Oketayot beat a defender inside the box before setting up Bushra, whose effort struck the post. The rebound was subsequently gathered by the Ndejje goalkeeper.
Despite sustained late pressure from the hosts, Gulu held firm to secure a memorable victory on the road.
Third away victory in UFL history
The result added another milestone to Gulu University’s Pepsi UFL journey, taking their tally of away victories to three since joining the competition in 2014.
Their first came in 2017, when they eliminated Busitema University 3-2 in the quarter-finals at Busitema.
The Elephants registered their second away victory in 2023, defeating the International University of East Africa (IUEA) 1-0 through Brian Odongo’s 88th-minute strike.
Atube’s goal against Ndejje has now added another chapter to that history, underlining Gulu’s ability to grind out results away from home.
For Ndejje, the defeat will be a frustrating one after their possession and second-half pressure failed to yield an equaliser.
The Pepsi UFL action continues on Tuesday, with 2025/26 losing finalists YMCA Comprehensive hosting newcomers Seeta University in Buwambo.