Express squeeze past Water

Kampala. Ibrahim Kayiwa scored with a late header to help Express reach the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16 at the expense of Big League side Water at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium yesterday.
The Red Eagles who are the joint most successful side having won the tournament 10 times won 2-1 to progress past the round-of-32 stage for only the second time in six years.
The game which had both sides struggling to create goal scoring opportunities looked set to go into post-match penalties before second half substitute Kayiwa thumped home Michael Birungi header in added time.
The result was slightly harsh on Water who forced an equalizer at the start of the second half with John Revita scoring in his own net as he attempted to clear from a save made by goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi.
Express took the lead in first half added time albeit in controversial circumstances with referee Ali Kaddu pointing to the penalty spot after a collision between Tony Odur and Water goalkeeper Andrew Lubwama.
The Express striker beat him to the ball sending his header wide with both players going to the ground thereafter.
But to the surprise of all at the sparsely attended game, Kaddu pointed to the spot before Odur dusted himself to bury the penalty into the bottom left corner.
The absurdity of the decision drew comparisons with the one witnessed at the same ground in November when referee Ronald Kirangwa and his assistant Sam Kakembo awarded a goal against Express from a seemingly offside position.
The game against Vipers ended 1-all with the pair banned for three and five years respectively.
Express now joins other topflight clubs including Bul and Police that also squeezed into the last 16 stage.
Action continues tomorrow with two games on card. A much changed Nyamityobora host Proline at Kakyeka while Nebbi Central are at home to Tororo’s Admin at Luo grounds.

YESTERDAY’S RESULT
Water 1-2 Express
PLAYING TOMORROW - KICK OFF, 4PM
Nyamityobora vs Proline
Kakyeka Stadium
Nebbi Central vs Admin (Tororo)
Nebbi grounds