The ongoing East Africa University Games Football Boys tournament has seen Maseno University, Moi University, and the University of Nairobi secure spots in the Round of 16.
While Moi and the University of Nairobi qualified on merit, hosts Maseno University advanced as one of the best losers, despite failing to win a single match in the group stages.
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The hosts Maseno University faced a challenging journey in Group B, finishing without a win. They lost narrowly to Uganda’s Kampala University (1-0) and drew against both Mzumbe University from Tanzania (1-1) and Uganda’s Islamic University (1-1). Despite their struggles, their points tally and goal difference were enough to earn them a lifeline into the knockout stages.
Their reward for advancing? A daunting Round of 16 clash against defending champions Bugema University, who have been dominant throughout the group stage.
Bugema University has been in imperious form, qualifying for the Round of 16 with a flawless record in Group A. The Ugandan side secured three wins, scoring six goals and conceding none. They defeated the University of Dar Es Salaam 4-0, edged USIU (Kenya) 1-0, and overcame Busitema University (Uganda) 1-0 to top the group with nine points. Busitema also advanced from the group with four points.
The University of Nairobi battled through Group E, finishing second behind Mountains of the Moon University (Uganda) with four points. After a tough 3-1 loss to Ardhi University (Tanzania), the Kenyan side bounced back with a 2-0 win over Bishop Stuart University and a 1-1 draw with group leaders Mountains of the Moon.
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Moi University also clinched their place in the knockouts after finishing second in Group D. They recorded two draws against UCU (Uganda) and the University of Dodoma (Tanzania) before narrowly losing 2-1 to group leaders Makerere University Business School (MUBS).
Group Stage Winners
Group A: Bugema University dominated with a perfect nine points, while Busitema University claimed second with four points.
Group B: Islamic University and Kampala University both advanced with four points each, with the former edging out on goal difference.
Group C: Uganda Martyrs University topped the group on goal difference over Makerere University, with both sides finishing on seven points.
Group D: Makerere University Business School led with four points, followed by Moi University with two.
Group E: Mountains of the Moon University finished on top with five points, while Ardhi University and the University of Nairobi followed with four points each.
The knockout stage promises exciting matchups, with all eyes on Bugema University as they face hosts Maseno University. The fixtures are as follows:
- Bugema University (Uganda) vs. Maseno University (Kenya)
- Islamic University (Uganda) vs. Moi University (Kenya)
- Makerere University Business School (Uganda) vs. Moshi Co-operative University (Tanzania)
- Mountains of the Moon University (Uganda) vs. Mzumbe University (Tanzania)
- Uganda Martyrs University vs. University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
- Kampala University (Uganda) vs. UCU (Uganda)
- Busitema University (Uganda) vs. Ardhi University (Tanzania)
- Makerere University (Uganda) vs. University of Nairobi (Kenya)
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