Express FC 3-2 Maroons FC
A brace from Julius Ogwang and a controversial goal by skipper Willy Kavuma was all title chasers Express FC needed as they came from behind to over come a determined Maroons FC in a 3-2 super league thriller played at Mandela national stadium, Namboole. Akena Brian and Mpuuga Martin scored the visitor’s two goals on the day.
The Red eagles conceded as early as the 4th minute after Maroons FC skipper Martin Mpuuga put the ball at the back of the net after the hosts failed to clear Muzamir Mutyaba’s ball from the corner kick. Julius Ogwang levelled matters for the Wankulukuku based side tapping in a cross from left winger Haguma Bright. Maroons FC then had a chance to retake the lead but Akena Brian’s penalty kick following a foul by Ssempala Hashim in the forbidden area was saved by custodian Jamal Salim.
After recess, Express FC was also awarded a penalty by referee Fred Mufta after Martin Mpuga blocked Erias Ssekisambu in the area and Julius Ogwang made no mistake but put Express FC in the lead in the 58th minute. The goal was nineth of the season and his and Express FC’s second on the day. Moments later, Jamal Salim turned villain after he let Akena Brian’s low cross from the left slip under his arms into the back of the net for an equaliser for the Prisons’ side.
In the 63rd minute, Willy Kavuma’s rebound after Maroons’ Sylvester Okello’s clearance of Julius Ogwang’s ball from the right hit the cross bar and then on the goal line and returned into play. As Maroons players were still trying to clear the ball, referee Fred Mufta pointed to the centre for goal. The visitors tried to protest his decision but nothing could be changed. However, T.V replays showed the ball never crossed the line, not even half of it.
Maroons FC tried to look for an equaliser but the hosts rear guard stood tall. The win lifts Express FC to third on the table with 47 points just five behind table leaders URA FC with two games in hand though it is most likely they will forfeit the points from the abandoned Simba game. Maroons FC are now fifth from the bottom on 33 points.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Express FC Coach Sam Ssimbwa:
“Am happy with the win since we were missing key players like Yayo Lutimba (suspended) and Baingana Bonny who again dissapeared and returned to Rwanda. On Willy Kavuma’s goal, it was a referee’s decision but i must agree it was difficult to know whether the ball crossed the line or not. Remember referees just have seconds to make a decision”.
Maroons FC Coach Asaph Mwebaze:
“It hurts especially that we’ve lost to a goal that never was. I wonder why it’s always Maroons suffering all this injustice. How can a centre referee point to the centre in the scenarios with out consulting his assistants.”
