James Odoch is the most relieved coach in the Uganda Premier League after Express FC returned to winning ways on Friday in Wankulukuku.
Before today’s win against Onduparaka, the Red Eagles had gone eleven league games without victory and fans were baying for Odoch’s blood.
Whereas it was inevitable for Express to struggle on pitch given the financial troubles at the club, the fans thought Odoch needed a retribution.
Despite doing well in the Stanbic Uganda Cup where they are through to the quarterfinals, Express FC had last won a league game on 16th November last year away to Busoga United FC.
In that smudge, the Red Eagles lost six and drew five games.
And there was no better opponent to put a halt on that poor run than wobbling Onduparaka FC.
The Caterpillars are rooted to the base of the table and clearly look a disinterested group since the start of the season.
Indeed, they were in for a thumping as Express secured a 4-1 win despite ending the game with a player less.
Allan Kayiwa who was captain of the day bagged a brace while Boboan Zirintusa and Marvin Oshaba added a goal each.
Not even their good history against Express at Wankulukuku where they had won four in six visits would inspire Onduparaka.
Express right from onset looked the better side and should have taken the lead as early as the tenth minute but Zirintusa failed to convert from the spot.
The home side were awarded a penalty when Davis Mayanja held the ball in the area but goalkeeper Anthony Okello denied him from twelve yards.
He would later on open the scores in the 28th minute, heading home from close range.
In the second half, Express were reduced to ten men with defender Derrick Ngoobi sent off for retaliation against William Gama.
However, this did not help the visitors with Express running riot in the closing twenty minutes of the game.
Kayiwa scored from the penalty with a beautiful panenka finish before curling home direct from a free kick.
Oshaba who was set up by Kayiwa stretched the lead for Express after rounding of the goalkeeper.
Onduparaka pulled one back with Gama converting from the spot, the third penalty of the game.
The win takes Express FC to 22 points in 11th place while Onduparaka remain rooted rock bottom with just 10 points.
