- Uganda Premier League | Match Day 18
- Mbarara City 3-0 Nyamityobora
- URA 0-1 Maroons
Mbarara City avenged their first-round loss to nemesis Nyamityobora with a comfortable 3-0 victory in front of a lively capacity crowd at Kakyeka Stadium on Friday.
South Sudanese international striker Makuweth Wol, Paul Mucurezi and Jude Ssemugabi were on target for the ‘Ankole Lions‘ against the ‘Abanyakare‘.
Wol scored as early as the second minute with a simple tap inside the goal area following a headed pass by Ibrahim Orit off Mucurezi’s cross from the right.
Nyamityobora was denied what seemed a genuine a penalty when Mbarara City skipper Hilary Mukundane pushed to the ground forward Peter Otai inside the goal area.
Mucurezi tapped home with ease inside the goal area as the Ankole Lions extended the goal advantage on 26 minutes following suspect goalkeeping by Denis Otim.
Moments after the goal, Nyamityobora called for a surprise early change. January signing Sadam Masereka replaced the ineffective Peter Otai, another secondary transfer recruit.
In protest, Otai kicked a water bottle on the side lines that splashed towards the direction of the fans.
Under just two minutes, Masereka nearly repaid the coach’s faith but slotted the ball wide of goal with the shot stopper Ali Kimera already beaten during a one against one incident.
There was a second change for Nyamityobora three minutes to the end of the first half when Fredrick Mayindi was rested for Ibrahim Mpengere.
As the second half kicked off, Orit had a chance to make it three but his shot from distance missed target by inches.
Ivan Eyam had an intended cut back from the left blocked for a fruitless corner on the hour mark as the ‘home side’ ran rings around the opposition.
Jude Ssemugabi wrapped up the matters with the third goal, a sublime strike on 71 minutes. With the back facing the goal, Ssemugabi superbly controlled a teasing ball into the area by Mucurezi before he swiftly turned to shoot past goalkeeper Dennis Otim for the third goal.
Mbarara City called for all the three changes. Eyam created space for Swalik ‘Bebe’ Ssegujja, Wol was rested for Siraje Misindo and Orit’s place was taken by the hard tackling midfielder Ivan Mbowa.
Mbowa is among the mid-season signings for Mbarara City having played the first round at Nyamityobora.
Second half substitute, Siraje Musindo, after replacing the largely impressive Eyam would have scored the fourth but completely miskicked the ball from a telling cut back by Ssemugabi.
There were three cautions by referee Tulu in the entire game for either side. Nyamityobora players Joel Oyol and Damien Nakalema were booked; and so was Stephen Othieno for Mbarara City.
Mbarara City thus earned their 10th win in 18 matches, taking them to 35 points, five points within the leaders KCCA who visit Bright Stars on Saturday.
Mucurezi was named the man of the match, a reward that comes with Shs 100,000.
Nyamityobora consequently suffered their 12th loss, spelling more doom for the Abanyakare who are 14th with just 12 points from 18 matches.
Next Matches:
Nyamityobora will still be at home against Express next Tuesday, 12th February 2019 as Mbarara City faces Bright Stars away at the Champions Stadium in Mwererwe.
Team Line Ups:
Mbarara City XI: Ali Kimera (G.K), Stephen Othieno, Jasper Aheebwa, Hilary Mukundane, Muhammad Rashid, Pistis Barenge, Paul Mucurezi, Ivan Eyam (77’ Swalik ‘Bebe’ Ssegujja), Makweth Wol (80’ Siraje Misindo), Jude Ssemugabi, Ibrahim Orit (65’Ivan Mbowa)
Subs Not Used: Muhammad Ssekebba (G.K), Stephen Kabuye, Ronnie Kiseka, Ivan Mbowa, Swalik ‘Bebe’ Ssegujja, Zaidi Byekwaso, Raymond Onyai
Head coach: Charles Livingstone Mbabazi
Nyamityobora XI: Denis Otim (G.K), Jerry Jakisa, Joel Oyol, Barni Calvni, Benjamin Mpirwe (Captain), Edgar Mujuni (82’ Alex Komakech), Damien Nakalema, Fredrick Mayindi (40’ Ibrahim Mpengere), Peter Otai (27’ Sadam Masereka), Charles Musige, Ibrahim Juma Dada
Subs Not Used: Hilary Jomi (G.K), Charles Akandwanaho, Martin Arinatiwe
Match Officials:
- Center Referee: Muzamiru Tulu
- Assistant Referee 1: Richard Mugerwa
- Assistant Referee 2: Solomon Lusambya
- Fourth official: Hassan Noor
