- Uganda Premier League | MD10 | Wednesday, November 4
- Kataka FC 3-4 URA FC
URA FC had to dig deep to maintain their winning run after surviving a spirited Kataka FC comeback to snatch a dramatic 4-3 victory in a seven-goal Uganda Premier League thriller at the BCS Sports Complex in Bukedea on Wednesday.
The Tax Collectors appeared to have the game under control after scoring twice inside the opening eight minutes, but Kataka showed remarkable character to fight their way back into the contest. Just when the hosts looked capable of taking something from the game, substitute Abraham Tusubira delivered the decisive blow five minutes from time.
Joshua Letti Lubwama set URA on their way in the fourth minute with a long-range free kick that took a slight deflection before beating goalkeeper Ali Mugaya.
Four minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage. Isma Mugulusi picked out Moses Aliro with a fine cross from the left, allowing the forward to tap into an empty net for 2-0.
Kataka struggled to cope with URA’s early pressure, with Mugaya forced to punch away another dangerous free kick from Letti Lubwama in the 28th minute. The resulting corner was cleared.
However, the hosts refused to let the game slip away. They gradually worked their way back and were rewarded with two goals from Rashid Shawahna and Ali Ssentamu to head into the break level at 2-2.
The second half brought even more drama. URA made the first change in the 62nd minute, introducing Godfrey Ssekibengo for Norman Namanya as Ssimbwa sought to regain control.
But Kataka had other ideas. After making two changes in the 66th minute, bringing on Jamadah Mulimila for Ali Ssentamu and Samuel Watuwa for Marko Tenyi, the hosts were awarded a penalty.
Richard Lempani stepped up in the 68th minute and calmly sent the URA goalkeeper the wrong way to put Kataka ahead at 3-2.
With the game slipping away, URA responded by introducing Laban Tibita for Isma Mugulusi in the 75th minute. Kataka’s Abdurahman Maloba had been booked two minutes earlier, while Watuwa also received a yellow card in the 81st minute.
URA made another change in the 81st minute, bringing on Abraham Tusubira for Moses Aliro. It was a substitution that would eventually decide the contest.
Five minutes later, Tusubira produced a superb finish after being set up by Nelson Ssenkatuka to restore URA’s advantage at 4-3.
Kataka had little time to respond, and despite four minutes of added time, the visitors held firm to take home all three points.
The victory was URA’s third consecutive league win, offering further encouragement to Ssimbwa’s side as they continue their climb up the table. For Kataka, the wait for a first league victory since promotion goes on.
URA moved to eighth place with 13 points, level with Blacks Power, who remain ahead on head-to-head advantage after beating the Tax Collectors 3-2 in Bukedea. Kataka remain 17th with just three points.
The Tax Collectors will next travel to face Kitara FC on November 7 before the international break, while Kataka will host Entebbe UPPC at Hamz Stadium on November 19 after the break.
Elsewhere, KCCA continued their impressive run with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Maroons FC at the Phillip Omondi Stadium.
The Kasasiro Boys took an early lead through Derrick Basoga’s own goal in the sixth minute, following an assist from Achai. Jackson Nunda also turned the ball into his own net in the 70th minute after a delivery from Mugume, before Ashraf Mugume wrapped up the victory five minutes from time, converting Lazaro Bwambale’s assist.
The result marked KCCA’s sixth consecutive league victory, lifting them to fourth place with 19 points.
Uganda Premier League action continues on Thursday, November 5.
Thursday, November 5
- Ntugasaze vs Entebbe UPPC – Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
- Express vs Blacks Power – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo 7pm
- Vipers vs Lugazi – St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende 8pm
Friday, November 6
- Kigezi Home Boyz vs Mbarara City – Rwamwanja Stadium, Kamwenge 4pm
Saturday, November 7
- Kitara vs URA – TBC