Kirinya – Jinja S.S 1-0 Police
High and hot tempers, a bitterly protested penalty, a red card, suspect refereeing decisions, disallowed goal as well as a hostile crowd amidst rain drizzles defined Kirinya–Jinja S.S slim 1-0 home victory against visiting Police at the Kakindu stadium on Friday.
Home side Kirinya–Jinja S.S required a well converted penalty by Bashir Mutanda (on loan from Vipers) as they defeated visiting Police Football Club by a solitary strike in a match also watched by recently retired Uganda Cranes skipper Geoffrey Massa.
The penalty was awarded by referee Robert Donney after a foul on striker George Ssenkaaba in a crowded Police goal area by Martin Mpuuga with about 20 minutes to play.
The match was halted for close to five minutes as bitter and charged up Police players crowded the referee.
Many could be seen pointing to the referee as well as asking unanswered questions how the penalty arose.
Police and other security stewards at the stadium interrupted and settled the dust before Donney flashed a red card to defender Mpuuga.
The fracas resumed when an angry Mpuuga nearly headbutted the referee before he was pulled away by fellow players and directed out as play re-started.
Mutanda calmly and confidently slotted the ball to the roof of the net for the only goal of the day.
Before the penalty decision, it was all calmness with either sides creating a series of half chances.
William Wadri was the major actor for the visitors with a couple of blocked and saved shots from within short ranges and afar.
In fact, Wadri laid a well cut back that advancing striker Hood Kaweesa missed contact for the best scoring chance of Police.
Striker Ssenkaaba watched on in disbelief when his goal bound header kissed the bar and sailed out for a routine goal kick.
Midfielders Moses Kamya, Isaac Ntege, striker Anthony Mayanja were all busy entities for the home side.
Police second half substitute Anthony Bongole was unlucky as his late strike was cancelled for offside following a great through ball by Wadri.
Kirinya-Jinja climbs to 23 points as they settle in the 13th place.
On the other hand, Police slips to 12th as they remain with 25 points after The Saints 2-1 victory against JMC.
The Saints have 26 points.
