Saturday, February 22
*Bright Stars 1-0 Proline
*KCCA FC 1-1 Express FC
*Onduparaka FC 1-1 Mbarara City
*Tooro United 2-0 Police
*Wakiso Giants 1-1 Kyetume
Ten-man KCCA FC held on to pick a point against Express FC in a league game played at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.
KCCA FC, needing all maximum points after Vipers had lost to URA, slightly reduce the lead to four points as they move to 46 after 23 games.
The hosts had the best of chances even in the second half they played with a man down and with a reserve goalkeeper Ali Mwirusi.
Mustafa Kizza had put KCCA in the lead from the spot after Isa Lumu was judged to have brought down Sadat Anaku in the box.
Express FC equalised in dramatic turn of events at the stroke of halftime with Frank Kalanda on target.
Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago lost possession outside his area for Musa Doka to benefit, beat Gift Ali before his goal bound effort was kept out by Musa Ramathan’s hand.
Consequently, Referee Ssali Mashood sent off Musa while Lukwago was stretchered off hurt to be replaced by Mwirusi.
In the second half, the Red Eagles failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage as they barely threatened.
Mike Mutebi’s charges continued to dominate proceedings; with the introduction of Julius Poloto and Muzamir Mutyaba adding more life going forward.
The new duo combined effectively and almost found the winner, with Mutyaba’s last effort going above the bar.
Anaku raced on the long ball from deep, beat Arthur Kiggundu but his effort was deflected to crawl into the corner in a well attended game.
Express’ wait for an away win against KCCA will wait for another season after squandering a big opportunity. They last beat KCCA in April 2015 when John Ssemazzi, Julius Ogwang and Isaac Sserunkuma were on target.
Ssekisambu had an earlier effort to put KCCA in-front from a loose ball but drove his effort way over the top.
Mustafa almost scored the corner but Mathias Muwanga parried out his effort.
Express’ best chance landed on Kalanda when he received from Martin Kizza but his shot was just wide the mark.
Cyrus Kibande also shot over the bar after Kambale passed in his way.
Express FC will leave with mixed emotions, happy for a point but they will feel hard done by the fact that they couldn’t beat a team that is played the entire second half with a man down.
KCCA FC face Police FC on February 26 while Express host URA FC in a closed game a day earlier.
Lineups Used
KCCA FC XI – Charles Lukwago, Filbert Obenchan, Musa Ramathan, Samuel Kato, Moses Aliro, Gift Ali, Saddam Juma, Mustafa Kizza, Keziron Kizito, Erisa Ssekisambu, Sadat Anaku
Express FC XI – Mathias Muwanga, Cyrus Kibande, Arthur Kiggundu, Martin Kizza, Isa Lumu, Daniel Shabena, Isaac Doka, Frank Ssenyondo, Eric Kambale, Frank Kalanda, Dissan Galiwango
