- Uganda Premier League
- Express 2-0 Tooro United
- KCCA 0-0 Mbarara City
Express Football Club smiled to a 2-0 win over Tooro United at a dampened Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium turf on Wednesday evening.
Two first half strikes from Eric Kambale and Ibrahim Kayiwa ensured maximum points for the Red Eagles who are coached by former Uganda Cranes international Kefa Kisala.
Kambale headed home the day’s opener off Mike Birungi’s delivery as early as the fourth minute.
The Red Eagles would have quickly doubled the lead but Birungi fluffed a golden chance to double Express’ advantage when his direct placing was tamed by Tooro United goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige for a fruit-less corner kick.
Birungi had found himself all alone after beautiful through ball by Kambale after 20 minutes.
Five minutes later, Birungi assisted Tonny Odur with a by-line high cross.
Odur’s first time volley was saved by the Tooro United shot stopper Kibirige as Express exerted more pressure.
Tooro United was forced into an early change moments after the half hour minute as forward Steven Ategeka replaced defender Musa Mukasa.
The change did not ripe instant fruits since the visiting side conceded inside the next two minutes.
Kayiwa doubled the lead for Express with a cool calm finish which followed a text book move involving Kambale on the left who expertly passed the ball with the outside of his right foot to find Odur.
Odur executed a 180 degrees turn and laid the ball for an unmarked Kayiwa to tap home and take the lead – the Red Army sang aloud.
The Red led 2-0 heading to the mandatory half time mark.
As the second half returned, Tooro United made a technical change. Davis Ssali replaced Godfrey Lwesibawa to add more pressure up front.
Odur would have registered his name onto the score sheet but was wasteful after beating off defender Kawooya, blasting the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Midfielder Davis Mayanja got booked for a reckless tackle.
Tooro United called for the third and final substitution when Baker Buyala came on for former Express skipper Steven Luswata.
Mike Kawooya got yellow carded after a foul on Ibrahim Kayiwa and Fredrick Kigozi too, was cautioned.
Another former Express old boy Simon Sserunkuma had an attempt from distance off target as the minutes ticked away.
With the final quarter an hour to play, Ibrahim Kayiwa paved way for Badru Nsubuga in Express. Nsubuga expressed confidence with the few moments he dribbled and passed the ball.
This is Express’ second win, following the 3-1 win over Police at Lugogo.
The Red Eagles who visit Paidha Black Angels in Nebbi on Saturday now displace Bright Stars in 6th place.
Tooro United suffers their third defeat in five matches, remaining on four points and 12th on the 16 team log.
Team Line ups:
Express XI: Mathias Muwanga (G.K), Julius Ntambi, Disan Galiwango, Isaac Mutanga, Arthur Kiggundu, Pius Mbidde, Michael Birungi, Davis Mayanja, Tony Odur, Ibrahim Kayiwa (75’ Badru Nsubuga), Eric Kambale
Subs Not Used: Tony Kyamera (G.K), Charles Musoke, Mubarak Nsubuga, Shafiq Nana Kakeeto, Lawrence Kigonya, Joel Male
Tooro United XI: Meddie Kibirige (G.K), Musa Mukasa (37’ Steven Ategeka), Fredrick Kigozi, Ibrahim Ayub Kizza, Issa Lumu, Mike Kawooya, Mahad Kakooza, Allan Kayiwa, Steven Luswata (65’ Baker Buyala), Godfrey Lwesibawa (46’ Davis Ssali), Simon Sserunkuma
Subs Not Used: Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Steven Omvia, Paddy Muhumuza, Simon Okwil
Match Officials:
- Center Referee: Deogratius Opio
- 1st Assistant Referee: Paul O’mara
- 2nd Assistant Referee: Toby Obua
- Fourth Official: Robert Komakech
- Match Commissioner: Edrisa Kiwanuka
