StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Friday 22nd April Results
*Express 0-2 Onduparaka
*Police 0-2 URA
Forward Shaban Muhammad scored twice as Onduparaka FC beat Express FC 0-2 in a Uganda Premier League (UPL) fixture on Friday at Wankulukuku.
Shaban was on target in both halves as he broke the deadlock just in the third minute of the game. His second goal came in the 50th minute and he walked home as man of the match.
The Red Eagles started well but the visitors got the first chance on goal and made it count. Shaban took advantage of the poor communication between Enock Walusimbi and Murushid Juuko to slot home and made it 1-0.
Despite trailing, the Red Eagles continued to dominant and should have leveled matters with quarter of an hour played but Erick Kambale shot direct at Onduparaka goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga.
The forward had yet another brilliant chance in the 28th minute but his effort went over the bar.
At the hour mark, Express midfielder Ivan Mayanja also had an apportunity from close range but he could not hit the target shooting slightly wide.
With halftime looming, Express’ winger Joseph Akandwanaho’s half volley was off target and a 1-0 it finished at halftime in favour of the visitors.
After recess, the Red Eagles were more livelier looking for an equaliser but once again conceded early to Shaban who looped the ball past Joel Mutakubwa in the 50th minute.
Moments later Express Captain Enoch Walusimbi had a glorious opportunity to pull one back but his effort went over the bar from close range.
At the hour mark, Kambale’s goal bound effort was cleared off the line by an Onduparaka defender with goalkeeper Muwanga beaten.
Midfielder Enock Ssebagala brilliantly waved through Onduparaka defenders but his final shot was also cleared off the line in the 70th minute.
The Red Eagles continued pressing for a way through but Kambale was denied by a resilient Muwanga in the 83rd minute and was the last piece of action.
The win is a huge boost for Onduparaka who were facing a relegation scare over a month ago. They now move to the 8th position of the 16-team table with 33 points after 25 games. It’s also the Caterpillar’s fifth straight win in the campaign.
Holders Express now lose their fourth game of the season and remain 6th on the table with 42 points with only four games to wind down the season.
Teams.
Express -Joel Mutakubwa (GK), John Byamukama, Enock Walusimbi, Arthur Kiggundu, Juuko Murshid, Ivan Mayanja, Daniel Shabena, Enock Ssebagala, Faizal Ssekyanzi, Joseph Akandwanaho, Erick Kambale
Onduparaka – Matthias Muwanga (GK), John Rogers, Matovu Patrick, Yakin Rashid, Ojara Dennis, Amayo Ahmed, Mayanja Davis, Mansoor Safi, Shaban Muhammad, Okech Emmanuel, Norman Ojik.
*Partial credit to Express FC website.
