Kabuye scores on debut as Arua Hill edge Police at Barifa | Uganda Premier League

2021-2022 Uganda Premier League (Match Day 16):

• Arua Hill 2-0 Police
• Wakiso Giants 4-1 Gaddafi

On a day that paint manufacturer Kansai Plascon announced a Shs 1.5 billion sponsorship for Arua Hill Sports Club, the West Nile-based entity did not disappoint.

Arua Hill edged Police 2-0 at the Barifa Stadium in Arua City on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Rashid Kawawa and debutant Stephen Kabuye struck in the first half for the Kongolos (Leopards) in their new Kansai Plascon branded jerseys.

The hosts embarked on this encounter aggressively, posing all sorts of provocations and questions to their opponents.

Midfielder Wahad Gaddafi swung in a series of crosses to the opposition goal area but goalkeeper Tom Ikara was equal to the task.

The deadlock was broken in the 24^th minute when Kawawa half-volleyed into the net from close range after a goal melee.

On the hour mark, January signing Kabuye headed home Geriga Atendele’s cut back following an enterprising run as they led 2-0 by the mandatory halftime break.

Upon restart of play for the final 45 minutes, Police who used only 14 players for the game called for a change.

Fahad Kizito was rested for the experienced forward Herman Wasswa Nteza.

Nteza combined with Police’s debutant Frank Kalanda and Juma Balinya to cause exert some pressure.

Arua Hill’s goalkeeper Richard Anyama shredded off a knock to soldier on gallantly in the 51^st minute.

Kabuye was booked for a foul onto goalkeeper Ikara in the 58^th minute.

Come the 65^th minute, Police’s midfielder George Kiryowa had a distant shot off-target that nearly threatened Anyama.

Five minutes later, play was paused when goalkeeper Ikara collided with Arua Hill captain Rashid Toha.

Both players were treated on the field of play and resumed action.

Inside the final 20 minutes, Kalanda set up Yusuf Ssozi but goalkeeper Anyama saved with a routine

Ivan Eyamu and Kabuye were then rested for Andama Junior and Nigerian Innocent Maduuka respectively.

Maduuka was accorded a harsh welcome when he was fouled by Emmanuel Mugume following a tackle.

Referee Lucky Kasalirwe cautioned Mugume for the unsporting conduct act.

Tonny Kiwalazi was also booked for a foul on Alfred Leku who had headed for goal.

Moments later, Arua Hill playmaker Kawawa also got cautioned as the game grew in intensity and physicality.

Leku blasted the ball over after breaking through en route for goal.

Brian Ade made his long-awaited debut at Arua Hill when he was introduced for the injured Kawawa.

After the victory, their 7^th in 16 outings, Arua Hill has now collected 26 points.

Consequently, Police suffered their 7^th defeat in 16 matches as they remain 10^th on 17 points.

The league continues with Matchday 16 when SC Villa takes on UPDF at Bombo Military Barracks Stadium on Sunday, 6^th February 2022.

Team Line Ups:

Arua Hill XI: Richard Anyama (G.K), Geriga Atendele, Richard Matovu, Joseph Bright Vuni, Rashid Toha (Captain), Ibrahim Faizul, Wahab Gadafi, Ivan Eyamu, Stephen Kabuye, Alfred Leku, Rashid Kawawa

Subs: Rogers Omedwa (G.K), Ibrahim Magandaazi, Junior Andama, Jacob Kamwesiga, Rashid Muhamad, Brian Ade, Innocent Maduka

Head coach: Charles Livingstone Mbabazi

Police XI: Tom Ikara (G.K), Tony Kiwalazi, Emmanuel Mugume, Joseph Sentume, George Kiryowa, Samuel Kayongo, Yusuf Ssozi, Tonny Mawejje (Captain), Fahad Kizito, Juma Balinya, Frank Kalanda

Subs: Abdul Kimera (G.K), Timothy Muwanguzi, Herman Wasswa

Head coach: Abdallah Mubiru

Match officials:

• Center Referee: Lucky Kasalirwe
• Assistant Referee 1: Emmanuel Okudra
• Assistant Referee 2: Samuel Mbabali
• Fourth official: Kelvin Aweko
• Assessor: Dennis Ojwee