SC Villa - Police inseparable as Express record first UPL victory

KAMPALA- Express edged an exciting five-goal thriller against Mbarara to earn their first win of the season in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

The result helped ease the pressure on coach George Ssimwogerere who has been under heavy criticism as the club lost two of their opening three games.

After a meek performance in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Onduparaka, they showed plenty of character coming from a goal down after Hillary Mukundane had given Mbarara the lead from a free-kick two minutes before half time.

There was however time for Hamdan Nsubuga get an equaliser before Frank Kalanda put the Red Eagles ahead on 65 minutes.
Jude Ssemugabi then looked to have stolen a point for Mbarara, who have now lost twice in succession, before Daniel Shabena’s stoppage time winner.

At Mandela National Stadium, SC Villa and Police played out a similarly eventful game but could not be separated after a 1-all draw.
Villa took the lead through Emmanuel Kalyowa with a well executed lob following a mistake from Police goalkeeper Hillary Jomi.

Police then equalized immediately after restart when a give and go between Andrew Kigozi and Johnson Odong released the latter who chipped Villa goalkeeper Saidi Keni. Both sides then passed up opportunities to score the winner including Villa substitute Nicholas Kabonge opting to pass rather than shoot after Albert Mugisa split the defence of his former side.

The result left Villa with four points from three games while Police have earned their second point but remain on -1 after being docked three points for failure to honour their first game against Onduparaka.

At Wankulukuku, Maroons level on six points with leaders Onduparaka after goals from Solomon Walusimbi and Steven Mukwala gave them a 2-0 win over Tooro who stay on three points but have lost three consecutive games.

Tuesday results
Mbarara City 2-3 Express
Tooro United 0-2 Maroons
SC Villa 1-1 Police

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