Kiira Young’s bid for super league qualification today got a set back as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Jogoo Bazar this evening at Nakivubo Blue Primary School Stadium. The defeat also ended their unbeaten run in the competition.
Jogoo Bazar’s Waliggo Moses converted from the spot after Kiira Young’s Ogunde handled the ball in the forbidden area in 25th minute of the match. Kiira Young had a chance to equalise in the 37th minute when referee Peter Kutegena awarded them a penalty when Jogoo Bazar’s left back Lubobo was ruled to have handled the ball in the area. However, Kibirango Ndiefi’s weak kick was easily parried away for a corner by the hosts’ custodian.
After recess, both teams continued with their offensive approach but neither could find the back of the net. The best chance of the second half fell to Jogoo’s experienced star Badru Kiyega but shot wide with custodian Ashad Bugembe already beaten. The loss leaves Kiira Young still top of the Rwenzori group table with 30 points and have only 3 games left.
George Ssemwogerere’s side now need only four points out of the possible nine to automatically qualify for super league next season. However, if complacancy takes its toll, SC. Victoria University and Entebbe Young all tied on 25 points may snatch top spot. There was drama before the match as 14 of the 18 Kiira Young players had refused to play on orders of UFA interim Chairman Dan Walusimbi who hijacked them before they dressed up for the game insisting the club must first pay their weekly wages.
Only a few words from Coach Ssemwogerere and his assistant James Magala changed the boys’ minds. Speaking to Kawowo sports after the defeat, Ssemwogerere acknowledged that his players were psychologically unfit after the Dan Walusimbi’s fracas but maintains the struggle continues. “We are still top of the table which is good but the defeat hurts. My players were mentally unfit and it was a goal we conceded even before kick off as you witnessed”, said the former Express skipper.
Dan Ntale offered Ugx 0.6 million to Jogoo Bazaar for the win. Whether it is his attachment to Villa or Victoria University that is competing for top slot with Kiira Young that attracted him, your guess is as good as mine. The match was watched by a decent crowd. In other games played, Entebbe Young beat Kirinya 2-0 while Jinja Municipal were 2-1 winners over Mbale Heroes.
