Onduparaka edge Express to maintain unbeaten record at home

• Onduparaka 2-1 Express

Defender Rashid Toha’s stoppage minute header ensured Onduparaka maintained their unbeaten record at home in the Uganda Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Express at the Green Light Stadium on Friday.

The Caterpillars started the better side, and came closest inside five minutes when Shaban Muhammad’s close range shot hit the crossbar, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 15^th minute through Allan Kyambade after he stole the ball from Toha who was trying to dribble around his box.

The goal did not dampen the hosts’ spirits though. It instead stirred them as they continued to attack, with Shaban and Ceaser Okhuti coming closest, but Express survived with the help of the woodwork.

Nigerian defender Vincent Onyebuchi came to the rescue of his side when he cleared Shaban’s header from the line.

But after persistent attacks, the Caterpillars got rewarded when Onyebuchi brought down right back Gasper Adriko and the referee did not think twice to point at the penalty spot.

Toha, villain, then turned hero when he majestically sent goalkeeper Fahad Katongole who had an evening to forget the opposite side to level proceedings in the half hour mark.

The goal transformed the mood at the Green Light stadium and the hosts poured forward and created several chances although without finding a finish.

A second half saw a balanced game as both sides had equal opportunities to take the lead. Onduparaka could have added the second moments after recess with the help of Onyebuchi but the defender’s header slightly went over the bar.

And at the other end of the pitch, Kyambade and Daniel Otto were doing all sorts of notable things but were let down by poor finishes.

Onduparaka had a penalty denied in the last minute of normal time when Sulaiman Jingo appeared to have fouled Gadafi Gadinho but the referee was far from convinced as he waved play on.

The winner arrived in added time. With four minutes added, and with only seconds left on the clock, Shaban was fouled around the right hand corner flag. Gadafi stepped up to deliver a free-kick and it was Toha who rose highest to head home the winning goal as he sparked wild celebrations at the end.

The win, Onduparaka’s third in their last six home games lifts them above Express to fifth. Express with 40 points drop a place down to sixth.