Express FC wrapped up their StarTimes Uganda Premier League first round with a 1-1 draw at home against Soltilo Bright Stars FC on Friday evening at the Muteesa II stadium Wankulukuku.
Express FC players line up shortly before the match. photo credit club website
George Senkaaba and Omony Denis Kaka scored for either side in the second half.
Express Starting Eleven.
Express FC winger Martin Kizza had the first bite at the cherry in the 11th minute creating space on the left and shooting but his effort went wide, Soltilo Bright Stars FC responded in the 24th minute when midfielder Youngman Mavin Joseph connected well with Nelson Ssenkatuka’s cross from the left-wing and his great strike was spilt by goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa into a corner kick which was later dealt with safely with the first period ending all square.
After recess, the Red Eagles engaged a higher gear, Erick Kambale went first in the 53rd minute with a tap into the far post but Soltilo Bright Stars goalkeeper Simon Tamale was at hand to make a great save however Tamale could only do much, five minutes later, Godfrey Lwesibawa’s well-curled corner kick was headed towards goal by Erick Kambale but fellow forward George Senkaaba was in the right spot in front of the goal with a final touch to give Wasswa Bbosa’s charges the lead.
Soltilo Bright Stars didn’t seem to query more with team captain Nelson Ssenkatuka’s runs all being intercepted by the backline of Enock Walusimbi and Issa Lumu but just when it seemed like the Red Eagles were wrapping up to earn maximum points Omony Denis Kaka happened, the pacy attacker pounced on the poor reaction of goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa to level matters at the death.
The draw means the Red Eagles end the first round on 27 points after 15 games played.
WASSWA BBOSA – HEAD COACH.
“We’ve managed a point although that wasn’t the plan, three points was our earlier target but we shall go with that. We shall go back and use the break to plan better and be organized because we want to close the gap on the table leaders”.
Wasswa Bbosa.
ENOCK WALUSIMBI – CAPTAIN/DEFENDER.
“We managed a point today, it was a tough game, we need to go back and use the break to correct our mistakes and do better. Soltilo Bright Stars gave us a challenge so we shall take the point”.
The Express skipper Enock Walusimbi leads his side onto the pitch before the game. photo credit club website
The league takes a break until February.
Express Starting Eleven: Joel Mutakubwa, Deus Bukenya (Mustapha Kiragga 90′), Sadiq Ssekyembe, Enock Walusimbi, Issa Lumu, Nicholas Kasozi, Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Erick Kambale, Martin Kizza, George Senkaaba (Ivan Mayanja 70′).
Unused Substitutes: Denis Otim, Richard Bbosa, John Byamukama, Enock Ssebagala, Raymond Walugembe.
Elsewhere in other games, Wakiso Giants finished the first round on a sour note suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Gaddafi FC at the Gaddafi Arena in Jinja.
Yunus Sibira scored a late winner to sink the Purple Sharks and condemn the lads to a fifth defeat of the campaign.
Without first choice goalie Derrick Emukule, Samson Kiirya did well to deny the hosts especially in the first half but could do little when Sibira made a connection with Hassan Musana’s free-kick.
We had the chance to score earlier through Moses Aliro and Joshua Lubwama who tested the goalie but it wasn’t going to be our day.
URA FC vs KCCA FC
Arena Of Visions, Ndejje
KCCA FC visit 7th placed URA FC on the league table in matchday 15 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
KCCA FC is still unbeaten after 13 games played so far this term.
Hosts URA FC has won four games, shared spoils seven times, and lost one game so far.
The tax collectors have scored 22 goals, conceded 12, and have a +10 goals difference with 19 points from 12 games.
KCCA FC on the other hand has won 9, shared spoils 4 times, and is yet to lose a game this term.
The 13 times Uganda Premier League Champions have scored 22 goals and conceded 8 and have a goal difference of +14 with 31 points from 13 games.
Statistics.
In the last 22 games played between both sides. KCCA FC has won six, URA FC ten and both sides have shared spoils six times.
Both KCCA FC and URA FC have scored 30 goals in the last 22 games played by both sides.
Team News.
Innocent Wafula is back in the squad. The defender missed the previous game due to illness.
Gift Ali will undergo a late fitness test that will determine his inclusion in the squad tomorrow.
Fillbert Obenchan will make his first trip with the club since his return.
Julius Poloto and Dominic Ayella commenced light training this week. The pair stepped up their recovery and should be back to full team training in a week.
Yassar Mugerwa will miss the game due to caution. The attacking midfielder complained of discomfort in his thigh.
Loro Mazengo, Kizza Bukenya, Andrew Kawooya, Charles Lwanga, and Peter Magambo, are ruled out of the game against the tax collectors due to illness and injuries.
Wasswa Emmanuel, Wasswa Geofrey, and Kayanja Brian remain long-term absentees. The players underwent surgery and are undergoing rehabilitation.
Available Team.
B. Ochan, D. Ochan, Mwirusi, Wafula, Revita, Obenchan, Iguma, Musa, Juma, Achai, Jurua, Gift, Usama, Mato, Majwega, Mugume, Mwanje, Kigozi, Anaku, Ssenyonjo, Kasirye and Aheebwa.
Morley Byekwaso on tomorrow’s game
The game we are going to play tomorrow is hard. We face a side that has been giving us problems in the past 3 seasons. They have got good players and coaches but we have to show top character and attitude and show that we want it more than them. We shall not have Yassar tomorrow. He complained of discomfort in his thigh. We have Wafula and Gift back. Gift will have to undergo a late fitness test before we can decide if he will be in the squad. Obenchain will make his first trip with us since his return.
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