Uganda Premier League 2020-21 (Match Day 18) – Saturday, 17th April 2021 Results:
- Express 1-1 Mbarara City
- Busoga United 2-1 Police
- UPDF 4-2 Kyetume
- MYDA 0-3 Soltilo Bright Stars
- Wakiso Giants 2-0 Onduparaka
The 1-all stalemate between Express and a 10 man Mbarara City at the Betway Mutesa II Wankukuluku stadium was characterized by a number of talking points.
First things first; the match referees designated for this contest arrived very late, barely an hour to the 3 PM kick off time.
The visiting team (Mbarara City) traveled without their head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi who was left in Mbarara under unclear circumstances with his assistant Sadick Sempigi taking over.
In the game proper, half time ended goal-less with Ankole Lions’ right back Innocent Wafula on his first start at the club, complete a thorn in the flesh of Express’ left back Sadiq Ssekyembe for long spells of the first half.
The Express’ offensive trio of Godfrey Lwesibawa, Martin Kizza and Erick Kenzo Kambale were kept under check by Ibrahim Magaandazi, John Adriko, Zaidi Byekwaso, Wafula and Ronald Otti.
The home side broke the deadlock in the second minute of the second stanza; Martin Kizza Lubwama curled home a free-kick from about 20 yards.
The free-kick was awarded after a handball by Byekwaso on the edge of the goal area.
Five minutes into the final half, Mbarara City granted Express the numerical advantage when defender Ronald Otti was sent off by referee Muzamiru Waiswa Kinene for a second bookable offence.
The first caution to Otti had come with just four minutes after kick off.
Mbarara City re-organized their house and remained composed as well as focused.
The strategy paid off handsomely for the Ankole Lions as they found the equalizer in the 71st minute through gangly forward Henry Kitegenyi, his fourth goal of the season.
Kitegenyi fired past goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga from close range after a goal melee that had come about following a teasing corner kick delivery by Solomon Okwalinga.
There were a couple of nervy moments for either sides towards the end. Substitute Ivan Mayanja struck onto the wood work after an initial save by debutant goalkeeper Martin Elungat in the 85th minute.
Mbarara City had the final say in the game; Jude Ssemugabi fluffing a golden chance to bury the game at the death – thanks to goalkeeper Muwanga’s alertness.
The spoils were shared by the final whistle from Waiswa with Elugat taking home the man of the match accolade.
Express dropped valuable points as they continue to play catch up to the two leading clubs; Vipers and URA (on 42 points apiece).
This was Express’ 7th draw of the season that takes them to 37 points as they stay 3rd on the 16 team log.
Mbarara City played to the 6th draw of the campaign which elevated them to 21 points, same as BUL.
Meanwhile, Police fell 2-1 to Busoga United at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
Wakiso Giants beat visiting Onduparaka 2-0 at the Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium in Wakiso.
In Bombo, UPDF overcame Kyetume 4-2 at the Military stadium whilst Soltilo Bright Stars smiled 3-0 over MYDA at the King George IV Memorial stadium in Tororo.
Team Line ups:
Express XI: Mathias Muwanga (G.K), Dennis Mubuya, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Issa Muzeeyi Lumu, Enock Walusimbi, Daniel Shabene, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Charles Musiige, Erick Kenzo Kambale, Yaya Mahad Kakooza, Martin Kizza
Changes:
70′ Ivan Mayanja ON, Martin Kizza OUT
75′ Muzamiru Mutyaba ON, Sadiq Ssekyembe OUT
75′ Frank Kalanda ON, Daniel Shabene OUT
84′ Faisal Ssekyanzi ON, Charles Musiige OUT
Subs Not Used: Chrispus Kusiima (GK), Richard Bbosa, John Byamukama
Mbarara City XI: Martin Elungat (G.K), Innocent Wafula, John Adriko, Zaidi Byekwaso, Ronald Otti, Ibrahim Magaandazi, Pistis Barenge, Solomon Okwalinga, Henry Kitegenyi, Jude Ssemugabi, Swalik Bebe Ssegujja
Changes:
88′ Ivan Eyam ON, Solomon Okwalinga OUT
90′ Raymond Derrick Onyai ON, Henry Kitegenyi OUT
Subs Not Used: Muhammed Ssekebba (G.K), Ronald Edwok, Huud Salim, Bashir Mutanda
Match officials:
Referee: Muzamiru Waiswa Kinene
1st Assistant Referee: Umar Mukisa
2nd Assistant Referee: Ahmed Kakembo
Fourth official: George Olemu
Assessor: Yusuf Awuye