Impis registered their first win after edging Victoria Sharks 24-19 in a tightly contested Uganda Cup second-round encounter played at the Makerere University Rugby Graveyard.
It was a fitting return to home action for the students, who showed grit and resilience to overturn an early deficit and claim victory in front of their fans.
Impis lead
Impis were off the mark early, with Edwin Muhumuza diving over within the opening minutes to hand the hosts a 5-0 lead.
Victoria Sharks responded almost immediately, scoring a converted try to move 7-5 ahead before extending their advantage to 14-5 midway through the first half.
Just before the halftime whistle, Henry Nsekuye reduced the deficit with a well-taken penalty, ensuring Impis trailed by just six points at the break (14-8).
The second half saw Impis step up their intensity. Nsekuye continued his fine kicking form, slotting another penalty and later levelling the scoreline at 14-14 to spark the home supporters into full voice.
Moments later, a chip over the defence saw Derrick Tumukunde set up for Impis’ second try of the game. Nsekuye added the extras to hand them a 21-14 lead.
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From then, confidence surged through the home side. Matthew Musasizi sealed the victory with a stunning 50-metre penalty to make it 24-14.
Victoria Sharks grabbed a late try, but the conversion went wide, leaving the final score at 24-19 in favour of Impis.
The win saw Impis join other victorious sides in an action-packed round two of the Uganda Cup. Defending champions Heathens cruised to a commanding 57-6 win over Kitgum Lions, while Toyota Buffaloes saw off Kakira Simbas 17-0. Kobs were in ruthless form, hammering Fort Portal Tyrants 102-3 in the biggest win of the weekend.
Elsewhere, Rhinos earned a 20-0 victory over Gulu City Falcons, Hippos dominated Mbale Elephants 78-0, Kigezi Silverbacks claimed a walkover win against Walukuba (20-0), while Pirates wrapped up the round with a 26-10 triumph over Rams.
Uganda Cup results
Impis 24–19 Victoria Sharks
Kitgum Lions 06–57 Heathens
Kakira Simbas 00–17 Toyota Buffaloes
Fort Portal Tyrants 03–102 KCB Kobs
Gulu City Falcons 00–20 Rhinos
Hippos 78–00 Mbale Elephants
Kigezi Silverbacks 20–00 Walukuba
Lifeguard Rams 10–26 Pirates
