UPL: 10-man KCCA Hold Nerves to Draw Express at Lugogo

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

KCCA FC 1-1 Express

Despite being numerically disadvantaged, ten-man KCCA fought tooth and nail to draw Express in an eventful match played on Saturday evening.

First half goals from penalty kicks converted by either side, saw KCCA, who had defender Musa Ramadhan sent off, claim a vital point against Express.

Mustafa Kizza had fired KCCA in the lead before Frank Kalanda cancelled his goal in a dramatic show.

The Eagles failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage to get all the three points in the second half, however, Coach Wasswa Bbosa remained unbeaten in the league since his return at “Mukwano Gw’abangi”.

Express goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga saved Mustafa Kizza’s low drilled free kick before Cyrus Kibande got booked for a foul on Aliro Moses with 5 minutes into the game.

Erisa Sekisambu also forced a spectacular finger print save from Muwanga 11 minutes later for a wasted corner.

Again Muwanga came to the visitors’ rescue on two occasions when he parried away Aliro’s teasing ball from the right wing, and later punched out Mustafa’s direct corner.

Express’ first chance came after 25 minutes through towering forward Kalanda who controlled Musa Doka’s swift pass in the box but shot wide.

In the 25th minute, Isa Lumu denied Sadat Anaku’s goal scoring chance with a foul in the forbidden area as center referee Ssali Mashood pointed to the spot.

Kizza, amongst all stood up and sent Muwanga the wrong side with his left foot putting the hosts in the lead as Lumu walked away with a yellow card.

In the 44th minute, KCCA FC went a man down when Musa Ramadhan got a direct send off from an intended handball in the box.

It started from onrushing Eric Kambale who dispossessed KCCA’s goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, crossed to Kalanda whose goal bound effort was denied by Ramadhan’s hand for the visitors to get a penalty.

Before the kick, Ramadhan got marching orders and tearfully went for an early shower, custodian Lukwago got a serious injury and was stretchered off for debutant Ali Mwerusi who did nothing to stop Kalanda from equalising.

Five minutes after the restart, KCCA made double changes when Erisa Sekisambu and Sadam Juma paved the way for Julius Poloto and Muzamir Mutyaba.

Also Express withdrew hardworking Doka Mweru for Baker Lukooya and later Ivan Ocholit replaced diminitive winger Frank Senyondo.

In the 75th minute, Muwanga stretched to save Mutyaba’s shot before he could deny Aliro’s cross for another wasted corner kick.

Anaku then then received a through ball from overlapping substitute Mutyaba but his finishing saw Muwanga heroics force a corner kick for KCCA.

In the final minutes, KCCA had a penalty appeal when the ball hit Galiwango’s hand from the ground but Ssali Mashood just waved for a play on.

KCCA missed a chance to close gap on table leaders as they remained 2nd on 46 points, four shy of Vipers after 23 games.

Express that had skipper Dissan Galiwango win the man of the match accolade went on 28 points in the 11th position accumulated from the 23 games.

KCCA FC will face Police FC on Wednesday 26 February at Lugogo while Express will host URA FC in a closed game a day before.

Team lineups

Lineups Used

KCCA FC

Charles Lukwago, Filbert Obenchan, Musa Ramathan, Samuel Kato, Moses Aliro, Gift Ali, Saddam Juma, Mustafa Kizza, Keziron Kizito, Erisa Ssekisambu, Sadat Anaku

Express FC

Mathias Muwanga, Cyrus Kibande, Arthur Kiggundu, Martin Kizza, Isa Lumu, Daniel Shabena, Isaac Doka, Frank Ssenyondo, Eric Kambale, Frank Kalanda, Dissan Galiwango

Other results

Bright Stars 1-0 Proline

KCCA FC 1-1 Express FC

Onduparaka FC 1-1 Mbarara City

Tooro United 2-0 Police

Wakiso Giants 1-1 Kyetume