The Uganda Premier League action was filled with drama on Thursday, as KCCA continued their impressive resurgence with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over UPDF at the Bombo Barracks Military Ground. In other encounters, wins were secured by Lugazi and Police, leaving Express and Mbale Heroes reeling from home defeats.
KCCA vs. UPDF: A Battle of Resilience
The match was played at the Bombo Barracks Military Ground and was marked by moments that were witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd. KCCA’s victory was achieved despite having been reduced to ten men for the last 42 minutes following Joel Sserunjogi’s sending-off.
It was in the sixth minute that a well-placed strike was curled into the net by Usama Arafat Kizza after a precise cross from Haruna Lukwago had been met.
Several chances were created by UPDF in the first half, but opportunities were not converted by Ronald Kayondo and Mugisa Frank.
In the 48th minute, it was decided that Sserunjogi would be shown a second yellow card for a foul on Kayondo, and the team was forced to play with ten men.
The lead was doubled in the 69th minute when a close-range finish by Sadat Anaku, assisted by Saidi Mayanja’s clever pass, was observed.
UPDF’s pressure was rewarded in the 80th minute by a goal from Andrew Kigozi, a former KCCA player, whose shot was only partially cleared by Lukwago.
Despite throwing everything forward in the dying minutes, the win was maintained by KCCA’s steadfast defense.
The victory has elevated KCCA to fourth place with 31 points, while the Army side remains in 11th place with 24 points. Their next actions will be seen on March 28, as UPDF are set to visit Wakiso Giants and KCCA will host Bright Stars at Lugogo.
Police vs. Express: A Turnaround Under the Floodlights
In another thrilling match under the Nakivubo floodlights, Police managed to end a nine-game winless streak by defeating Express 2-1.
The deadlock was broken in the 49th minute by Brian Obedi, whose composed finish was assisted by Denis Kalanzi.
Reagan Male doubled the lead in the 68th minute after another fine setup from Kalanzi, while a late consolation goal was registered by substitute Conrad Ssenjogera.
The win was celebrated by the team and has moved Police to 12th place with 23 points, while Express remain seventh with 28 points. Express will be required to regroup before their next encounter against NEC on March 27.
Lugazi vs. Mbale Heroes: Dominance Displayed in Mbale
A commanding 3-1 victory was recorded by Lugazi at Mbale City Stadium, where Mbale Heroes were left struggling to break free from the bottom of the table.
The visitors were quick to act, with Sam Ssemugugu scoring in the third minute following a well-threaded pass from Derrick Mwanje.
A brilliant free kick from new signing Hussein Ssenoga in the 31st minute doubled Lugazi’s advantage.
Although Mbale Heroes managed to reduce the deficit in the 57th minute through a header by Robert Eseru, it was Sharif Ssaka who sealed the victory in the 78th minute with an instinctive finish.
This result has lifted Lugazi to ninth place with 26 points, while Mbale Heroes remain rooted at the bottom with just 10 points.
The drama of the Uganda Premier League was once again confirmed on Thursday as KCCA, Lugazi, and Police secured crucial wins through determined displays and tactical resilience. It is hoped that more exciting action will be witnessed in the coming fixtures, as both KCCA and their challengers prepare to further their campaigns in the league. Matches are scheduled to be resumed on March 27 and 28, promising more thrilling encounters in Ugandan football.
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