Express draw blank, bottom three pick rare points in UPL

Kampala- Express were the biggest movers as the first round of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) neared completion with four matches.

The Red Eagles moved two places up to seventh on the 16-team log as they concluded the first round with a goalless draw against struggling Ndejje University at the Betway Muteesa II stadium.

The result left them with 21 points, 10 better off than last season when they survived relegation on the final day of the season.

That however did not stop a number of Express fans from calling for the resignation of coach Kefa Kisala.

Club chairman Kiryowa Kiwanuka was then forced to defend the coach in his opening remarks at a fans meeting after the game.

But Kisala drew confidence from the team’s tally of 21 points that he believes is a sign of improvement.

“We have made an improvement because we have 21 points yet last season we completed the first round with 11. But this is not where Express should be,” he stated in his post-match remarks.

There were goal-scoring chances for either side despite both teams struggling for fluidity with Michael Birungi hitting the post and having another shot tipped over by goalkeeper Eric Kibowa who heroically pushed away Isaac Mutanga’s header.

De Boss Kalama and Samuel Matovu meanwhile failed to test Express goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi after getting into good positions.

“The boys have played well earning a point at a big club. I am just disappointed that we have picked up late,”Ndejje coach Raymod Komakech said of the result that leaves them second from bottom with nine points
They are level with Nyamityobora who drew 2-2 with fifth placed Bul while Paidha remained bottom following a 1-all draw with Maroons.

Tooro were the only winners on the day with goals from Mike Kawooya and Allan Kayiwa, the latter strongly disputed, giving them a 2-0 win over visiting Bright Stars in Fort Portal.

The last two games of the first round between URA vs Vipers and Vipers against Mbarara City will be played next week.

Uganda Premier League
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
Express 0-0 Ndejje
Bul 2-2 Nyamityobora
Paidha 1-1 Maroons
Tooro United 2-0 Bright Stars

Fufa Big League
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
Proline 3-1 Kabale Sharp
Wakiso Giants 0-0 Doves All Stars
Kira Utd 1-1 Kiboga Young
UPDF 2-0 Nebbi Central
Kyetume 0-1 Entebbe
Dove 1-0 Kansai Plascon
Bukedea 1-0 Amuka Bright Stars
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