Sunday, February 13
•Mbarara City 1-1 KCCA FC
KCCA FC were held to a 1-1 draw to continue their poor run at Kakyeka Stadium.
Morley Byekwaso’s charges had taken an early lead through Usama Arafat but the Ankole Lions fought back through Jude Ssemugabi to earn a precious point.
The result sees KCCA FC fail to break their jinx at Kakyeka as their barren run goes to five games without winning in Mbarara!
KCCA FC games at Kakyeka Vs Mbarara City:
2017/18: Mbarara City 0-0 KCCA FC
2018/19: Mbarara City 0-0 KCCA FC
2019/20: Mbarara City 2-1 KCCA FC
2020/21: Mbarara City 0-0 KCCA FC
2021/22: Mbarara City 1-1 KCCA FC
The result is a heavy blow to KCCA FC’ title surge as the side slips to three points adrift of Vipers who beat Arua Hill on Saturday.
It’s a deserved point for the Ankole Lions who take their tally to 16 points as the side look to mount a strong survival fight.
The Kasasiro Boys had a dream start when Patrick Kaddu brushed to the far post for Usama Usama Arafat to head home in the third minute of the game.
But Mbarara City equalised through Ssemugabi when he was picked by Henry Kitegenyi to bundle in from point blank range just eight minutes from restart.
Pistis Barenge almost snatched the whole points for the hosts but the lanky midfielder’s effort rattled the upright.
Ssemugabi was also denied by the woodwork earlier in the game.
Mbarara City were solid but will also have goalkeeper Martin Elungat to thank after a couple of saves.
The shot stopper made a double save to deny Mato Rogers before denying Kaddu a rebound.
Elungat also rightly dived at his near post to save Herbert Achai freekick.
This result is a bitter pill to swallow for KCCA FC, especially for the loyal fans who braved the long trip to Kakyeka.
Byekwaso will feel his boys could have done and defended better, but he will feel hard done by an injury suffered by striker Patrick Kaddu who never returned after the first stanza.
Mbarara City showed their brave hearts in a game they walked with KCCA FC toe-to-toe but it was that impressive second half that paid dividends.
As they continue to miss their former captain Hillary Mukundane who joined Vipers in January, the Ankole Lions who are now under coach Sadiq Sempigi will be tasked to come bigger in next games if they are to beat the drop.
What Next – Mbarara City take a long trip to face Gaddafi FC on February 20 while KCCA FC will a day before welcome on Onduparaka at Lugogo.
Team Lineups
*Mbarara City FC – Martin Elungat, Musisi Henry, Jasper Aheebwa, Ramathan Dudu, Souleyman Bamba, Otti ocitti Ronald, Barenge Pistis, Kacancu Gadafi, Okwalinga Solomon, Henry Kitegenyi, Ssemugabi Jude
Subs – Ssekeba Muhammad, John Adriko, Othieno Steven, Edwok Ronald, Ivan Otude, Seiri Arigumaho, Ojok David
Head Coach Sadiq Sempiji
*KCCA FC – Derrick Ochan, Innocent Wafula, John Revita, Fillbert Obenchan, Herbert Achai, Hassan Jurua, Ashraf Mugume, Rogers Mato, Arafati Usama, Charles Lwanga, Patrick Kaddu
*Subs – enjamin Ochan, Brian Aheebwa, Yassar Mugerwa, Davis Kasirye, Brian Majwega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Gift Ali Abubakar
