By Shafic Kiyaga
Twelve-time Uganda Premier League champions and bookmakers’ favorite to win the league missed a great opportunity to go top of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League after drawing at home to western side Mbarara City FC.
The fans from both sides had to endure a long and boring 45 minutes in a game that seemed to have failed to live up to its pre-match billing with opportunities hard to come by for both sides though the hosts created some minor problems through Allan Okello. All efforts were easily matched by Ali Kimera in the Mbarara City goal.
But Mutebi, whose team were second based rung the changes at the start of the second half replacing Shaban Nunda for Allan Kyambadde and suddenly ‘Dull KCCA’ looked sharp and lethal bar putting the ball in the back of the net.
Paul Mucureezi, who enjoyed a trophy laden four-year spell at Lugogo was returning to the StarTimes Stadium for the first time since his transfer to home side Mbarara and he was at the centre of all offensive threats for Mbabazi’s men. His drive into the KCCA final third was illegally stopped by youngster Jurua Hassan who was then given his matching orders after receiving a second yellow card for a foul again on Mucureezi.
The resultant free kick taken superbly by Mucureezi was equally matched by Charles Lukwago in KCCA goal as was Katim Nduggwa’s effort as the visitors tried to take advantage of their numbers. But man of the match Ali Kimera also did not make it easy for the Kasasiro attackers as he fantastically saved from Kyambadde’s effort before also denying Allan Okello twice.
Mbarara City bravely held on to deny their hosts as they both played to a goalless draw (the third draw between the two sides and second consecutive at Lugogo). But Mutebi was utterly disappointed with the way his team failed to kill off the game.
KCCA next travel to rivals and league leaders SC Vipers at the St Mary’s Stadium in Entebbe while the ‘Milkmen’ will host record league champions SC Villa who are yet to win a game.
Express Fly High over Tooro United.
Giants Express FC recorded their first home win of the season when they defeated Tooro United 2-0 at Wankulukuku in a game they should have scored more.
Congolese youngster Eric Kambale gave the hosts the lead on five minutes after he carefully cushioned Mike Birungi’s header past stunned Tooro United goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige.
Ibrahim Kayiwa made it 2-0 after receiving a brilliant Tonny Odur pass from a counter attack orchestrated by Kambale on the left wing, with about 15 minutes to half time.
The hosts should have been 4-0 before the break but Birungi and Odur saw their attempts well matched by Meddie Kibirige in Tooro United goal.
Uganda Premier League: Match Day Six
November 4 – Police vs Maroons
November 3 – Tooro United vs Onduparaka
November 3 – Mbarara City vs SC Villa
November 3 – Bright Stars vs Kirinya Jinja SSS
November 3 – Bul vs Ndejje University
November 3 – Paidha Black Angels vs Express FC
November 3 – Vipers vs SC Villa
November 2 – URA vs Nyamityobora
Photos: UPL Media
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