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After winning the two opening games, Vipers seek to keep the momentum upward as they play Mbarara City FC.

The two sides will meet on Tuesday, October 3 in the Uganda Premier League at Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara.

Vipers SC head coach Leonard Neiva expects a tough duel against the Ankole Lions but he adds his troops are ready for the assignment.

“It’s going to be a battle. We need to be at our best mentally and physically to seal a positive result,“ he said.

“We know how they play because I watched the game when they played Express FC. So, it’s going to be a challenge. We have to be at our best again to collect the win,” he added.

“They have good offensive players and strong defenders. We have to be aware of the quick transitions so as to keep our goal area safe.”

The last time Vipers faced Mbarara at home, they won 2-1 in a game that slowed due to poor weather.

Mbarara will equally fight for the victory since they have managed just a point out of the two games played against NEC FC and Express FC.

It will take less than 48 hours for KCCA to return on the green in the Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

After failing to qualify for the CAF Confederation group stages, KCCA FC will play Maroons in the second league game on Tuesday, October 3.

Speaking at the press conference, KCCA FC head coach Sergio Traguil expressed readiness saying there is no time to cry after spilt milk.

“There is no time to mourn. We have to now think of moving forward,” he said before adding; “It’s time to turn to our biggest objective and that is the league.”

The Kasasiro Boys beat Abu Salem 3-2 but it was not enough to guide them past the Libyan side. Sergio reveals the players are still emotionally down but they will eventually get over it.

“It’s not easy to have just two days to put everything together but we shall try to work on recovery. We shall make sure we do everything to get ready.

“It has been a mix of feelings because they felt they would have done better. They know they could go further more so after the second match.

“We lost the tie (5-4 on aggregate) in the first game. We had the quality to be there (group stages) but instead made it easy for the opponent,” he stressed.

The Portuguese stressed the need to win the league so that they are capable of achieving the biggest objective of the league.

“We have to win the league no matter the challenge. So the boys are very ready for the game. We have talked about it before and am sure they know.

“They know the importance of winning the league this season. We have set our target and we now want to plan how we can achieve going forward.

“Maroons are a very good game. We expect a tough game but it will be so easy if we choose to do the right things thus keeping away from silly mistakes.”

Last season, KCCA picked just a point from the possible six in the tough tie against the Prison Wardens.

KCCA FC head coach Sergio Traguil has called upon the Kasasiro faithful to keep calm and be patient with the building process as the team seeks to return to its glory days.

Sergio said he understands the disappointment due to missing out on the ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage but the Portuguese gaffer promised that the team will get better.

On Saturday, September 30, KCCA FC defeated Abu Salem 3-2 in the return leg after losing 3-1 in the first. The final score was 5-4 on aggregate to give Abu Salem the qualification ticket.

“I cannot blame them because we are just building something,” Sergio said. “It’s a building process and I request everyone to be patient. We have to guide these players and give them confidence.

“Having such a youth squad will put us in such situations. If we play for important things, it will require consistency, yet these boys still lack that. We could have done better in the two games, especially in the game played in Tunisia. In the game played at home, we hardly handled ourselves in the best manner.”

Sergio highlighted the team’s inability to keep consistently doing the right things and also avoid making silly and avoidable mistakes.

“We made very many silly mistakes that made the work easy for Abu Salem. Besides the team is young but they (Abu Salem) have experienced players and it was the edge. We have to be stronger to deal with this kind of situation because if we cannot handle the pressure here, we cannot get to the top.

“I cannot blame them because we are just building something. It’s a building process and we have to be patient. We have to guide these players and give them confidence. We have to build a good mentality, in football, the brain does a lot because it helps to either make the right or wrong decisions. We shall pick the lessons and make ourselves a better side,” he concluded.

Just like 2020, it was so close yet so far when AS Kigali eliminated KCCA FC, who had won the return match.

KCCA will have to return to the drawing board and try again living them with the hope of trying again next year.

The Lugogo-based side will return to action on Tuesday, October 2 as they host Maroons FC in the Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Ten-man BUL edged Arua Hill SC in a 2-1 victory in the Uganda Premier League at Paridi Stadium, Adjumani on Sunday evening.

With the send-off of defender Benon Tahomera in the 67th minute, BUL had to fight hard to get maximum points.

It was the second loss at home and three overall in the league as the Kangolo continues with their ugly start to the 2023/24 season.

On the other hand, the oil manufacturers keep a perfect run with three victories in as many games played thus far.

Alex Kitata’s close-range finish gave the visitors a lead after getting a perfect touch-off, Joel Madondo was the provider.

Six minutes later, John Rogers Okumu responded with a thumping header off Gadafi Wahab’s freekick to level matters.

As the second stanza kicked off, the hosts showed intent and hunger but failed to find the back of the net.

Ibrahim Orit came so close with a venomous shot but it went above the frame by an inch.

BUL was reduced to 10 men after Tahomera was given matching orders after his harsh tackle on Rashid Kawawa.

In the 73rd minute, Lawrence regained BUL’s lead getting on the end of Kitata’s precise flick off a long throw-in.

The victory took BUL FC to nine points from three outings. The Super 8 champions will return to action on Friday, October 20 as they host Maroons FC.

Arua Hill SC will play against Gaddafi in a battle of wounded buffaloes at Paridi on Thursday, October 19.

How they lined up

Arua Hill: Abubaker Kasimba (GK), Ibrahim Musa, Yusuf Makutum, Kerepi Jafar, Nelson Mandela, Musa Sali, Denis Andama, Wahab Gadafi, Frank Kalanda.

BUL XI: Tom Ikara (GK), Pascal Ngobi, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Emmanuel Obua, Hillary Onek, George Kasonko, Benon Tahomera, Jeromy Kirya, Joel Madondo, Alex Kitata

KCCA FC registered a 3-2 victory against Abu Salem in the CAF Confederation Cup at St Mary Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.

After losing 3-1 in Tunisia, the Kasasiro Boys had to keep their backline intact but Abu Salem’s two goals at Kitende gave Libya’s side a ticket into the group stage.

In the 20th minute, Shaban Muhammad tapped in from close range after Abu Salem’s custodian failed to get fully firm of Joao Gabriel’s header.

Thirteen minutes later, the hosts nearly doubled their lead but Shaban was late to get in contact with Abu Mayanja’s well-laid cross.

As the first stanza was looming, Juma Mutebi made a stunning save to give the hosts an edge going into the break.

Seven minutes into the second stanza, KCCA made the first change introducing Usama Arafat for Gabriel.

In the 66th minute, Abu Salem was awarded a penalty and Abdulmunem Aleiyan converted from the 12-yard mark to level matters.

With ten minutes to play, Mayanja came close to getting the hosts back in the driving seat but his effort went wide.

Two minutes later, Usama nodded home to restore KCCA’s lead in a quick attack.

But in a slip of a minute, the visitors made a quick response to square the game.

In added time, Arafat restored their lead but it was too late to give KCCA the required win for qualification.

KCCA Football Club will require a miracle to overturn Abu Salem SC’s first-leg victory.

The two sides will meet at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende in a decisive return leg to decide who gets into the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

The Libya outfit comes to the duel with a 3-1 first-leg advantage which puts the Kasasiro Boys in the chasing park.

However, KCCA gaffer Sergio Traguil is confident it can be overturned.

“We still have a chance to go to the group stages. We need the right mentality so that we can overturn the score,” Sergio said during a pre-match press conference.

“We have worked very well in the past [few] days. I think the boys are ready for the game and we shall not allow our opponent to hurt us like it was in Tunisia,” he added.

For KCCA to go further, they will need to start early to provide the needed momentum and also glue up their backline not letting in any goal so that they go further.

“We want to start right away and score one, two, or three goals if it’s possible. The boys know what lies ahead of them and I am confident they will take responsibility.”

The Portuguese gaffer believes his side got in shock by the proceedings and some of the players failed to handle pressure, something they have talked about now.

“We were badly punished because we lacked composure. In the first leg, we made silly mistakes and made it easy for them. I think most of the young boys failed to handle pressure but this time we’ve briefed them and they seemed confident.”

It’s not been a good time for the Lugogo-based side having lost two successive games but a victory today will get back their season on course.

Uganda Premier League | Results

Friday, September 29, 2023

SC Villa registered a 3-0 victory against NEC FC in the Uganda Premier League at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku on Friday.

It was the first victory for the Jogoos who have so far played three games in the 2023/24 campaign.

NEC FC will feel undone for failing to score a single goal in a game they created several chances but also conceded very avoidable goals on the day.

Four minutes into the game, Rashid Okocha made a great run to meet Shamir Kimwero’s ball but his cut-back was blocked by Juma Ramathan for a corner.

In the 11th minute, Rogers Kiwanuka set up Umar Lutalo whose low drive shot went past goalkeeper Samson Kirya.

Dusan Stojanovic made a quick change introducing David Owori for injured Kiwanuka.

Four minutes later, Juma Ramathan was also forced off the field of play due to an injury and Patrick Kakande came on.

Ten minutes later, Kakande laid a lofted cross that John Paul Acire turned into his net.

With five minutes left on the clock, Norman Angufidru made a stunning save, punching out Ibrahim Thembo’s powerful shot.

As the end of the first half was looming, the lanky defender Arnold Odong jumped highest to node home.

Ivan Bogere had two clear-cut chances in the second half but failed to convert any.

Kakande pegged NEC’s backline in trouble as they struggled to match his quick feet.

The victory takes VIlla to five points while NEC remains at six.

How they lined up

SC Villa XI: Norman Angufindru (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Arnold Odong, Peter Onzima, Elvis Ngonde, Ivan Bogere, Umar Lutalo, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Kiwanuka, Diego Semugera, Juma Ramathan

NEC FC XI: Samson Kiirya (GK), Marvin Kavuma, Tah Barni Kelvin, Ibrahim Thembo, Allan Mugalu, Shamir Kimwero, DhataJoseph, John Paul Acire, Brian Kayanja, Rashid Okocha, Ronald Owiny

Kitara FC bounced from a goal down to beat Gaddafi 2-1 in the Uganda Premier League on Friday at the Gaddafi Arena.

The Royals continued their colourful start picking the second victory away from home proving they are good travelers.

In the 34th minute, Thomas Ochungo gave the hosts a lead.

Six minutes into the second stanza, Kitara FC levelled matters through Living Kaboon thanks to a quick attack.

George Senkaaba made a full stretch to tap the ball into the net from close range for Kitara’s second.

Solomon Okwalinga’s ball was met by Brian Aheebwa whose effort was blocked by Gaddafi’s goalkeeper Abdu Magada but Senkaaba scored from the rebound.

From that point Gaddafi found their rhythm making good runs through Amos Kirya and Douglas Bithum but Kitara’s backline stood tall and firm.

The maximum points send Kitara to nine points keeping their run perfect in the ongoing season while the Soldier Boys are winless in three games after falling to Vipers SC, URA FC, and Kitara.

How they lined up

Gaddafi XI: Abdu Magada (GK), Ibrahahim Kiyemba, Najib Tusaba, Sharifu Ssengendo, Rashid Mpata, Amos Kirya, Franco Mageero, Johnson Odongo, Thomas Ochungo, Benson Muhindo, Douglas Bithum

Kitara XI: Chrispas Kusiima (GK), Maxwell Owachgiu, Ibrahim Mangadaazi, Jasper Aheebwa, Jude Ssemugadi, Brian Aheebwa, Paul Mucureezi, Solomon Okwalinga, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Donato Okello, Denis Omedi

Express FC registered their first victory in the 2023/24 Campaign after beating Busoga United 2-0 on Thursday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Busoga United lost the second game on the bounce after being thumped 5-0 by NEC FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

The Jinja-based side started on a positive note with a 1-0 victory against Arua Hill SC but since then it’s been a story of tears.

Isaac Wagoina was fouled in the area by Charles Mulanda and the centre referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Allan Kayiwa stepped up to the occasion and placed the ball at the far post to give Express FC the lead in the 15th minute.

Busoga United nearly responded immediately. Jeremy Matata’s freekick rattled off the frame after going past the frame.

The hosts kept pushing to restore parity but Emmanuel Ajo’s header bounced off the woodwork.

Sheif Batte set up Alpha Thiery who remained with only a keeper to beat but the youngster’s effort went narrowly above the crossbar.

Five minutes into the second half, Kayiwa’s knuckleball gave Busoga United custodian Micheal Lutaaya whole punched it away for a corner kick.

Batte won possession in the box but defender Isaac Isinde made a timely block to keep the score intact.

In the 70th minute, Isma Kawawulo’s corner kick went off Stephen Odong’s back into Busoga’s goal. 

Going forward, Busoga United will host Mbarara City in Njeru while Express will be hosting Bright Stars on Saturday, October.

How they lined up

Busoga United XI: Micheal Lutaaya (GK), Isaac Doka Mweru, Charles Mulanda, Isaac Isinde, Fredrick Ngalo, Julius Debbo, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Kenneth Kibbale, Emmanuel Ajo, Jeremy Matata, Stephen Odongo

Express FC XI: Abdul Kimera (GK), Allan Kayiwa, Derrick Ngoobi, Arthur Kiggundu, Alpha Ssali, Emmanuel Wasswa, Sheif Batte, Isaac Wagoina, Isma Kawawulo, Hussein Ssenoga, Muzeeyi Lumu

Uganda Premier League | Results

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Bright Stars 1-1 URA FC

Bright Stars and URA FC shared spoils in a one-all draw in the Uganda Premier League Matchday 3 early kickoff duel at Kavumba Recreational Grounds on Thursday.

The display of the game was halted by a heavy downpour which made the pitch unplayable more so for the hosts who prefer a free-flowing game.

In the 19th minute, Ivan Ahimbisibwe jumped highest amidst a forest of bodies and nodded home Laban Tibita’s lofted cross into the area.

Bright Stars escaped a scare as goalkeeper Hassan Matovu palmed away Saidi Kyeyune’s hard effort after a brilliant interplay with Norman Namanya.

With two minutes to play in the first half, Kyeyune came close again only to witness his effort go narrowly wide. Ahimbisibwe held onto the ball well before releasing Kyeyune but the end product was not positive.

Eight minutes into the second half, Ahimbisibwe failed to get the ball past Matovu after Bright Stars gave away possession in a clumsy manner.

In the 79th minute, Senkatuka scored a belter getting on the end of the dropping ball into the area. Hudu Mulikyi and Najib Fesali failed to time the flight of the ball allowing it to get onto the feet of Bright Stars skipper.

The Stars remain winless in the ongoing campaign after two draws and a loss in the three games played so far.

While the Tax Collectors go to five points in two games thanks to a win and two stalemates.

Going forward, URA will host Wakiso Giants while Bright Stars will pay a visit to Express at Wankulukuku. Both games will be played on Saturday, October 21.

How they lined up

Bright Stars XI: Hassan Matovu (GK), Innocent Kitimbo, Denis Omony Kaka, Kato Nameyimana, Warren Buule, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Fiat Cleophus, John Kokas Alou, David Kiiza, Nelson Senkatuka, Yassin MugumeURA FC XI: Otim Dennis (GK), Walusimbi Enock, Ssenjoobe Eric, Najib Fesali, Hudu Mulikyi, Kalega Hassan, Namanya Norman, Wammanah Ibrahim, Ahimbisibwe Ivan, Tibita Laban, Aliro Moses