By Denis Turyahebwa
Erick Kambale’s late header secured three hard-fought points for Express FC passed Police on Tuesday in the last game of round one of the Star-Times Uganda Premier at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
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Kambale raised high to the node in the ball in the 84th minute following Ssekyembe’s beautiful corner kick that was poorly cleared by the corps defenders.
The first half had a low tempo due to the heavy downpour that waterlogged the pitch but both sides kept on pushing and at the end of halftime, no clear chances had been visible.
Seven minutes into the second half, the red eagles’ Muzamiru Mutyaba was booked by the center referee Masudi Ssali for a deadly challenge on the opponent.
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Moments later, Kambale was fouled near the box but Godfrey Lwesibawa tapped Etrude’s free-kick over the bar.
The red eagles’ head coach Wasswa Bbosa made a double substitution to bring on Frank Kalanda and Ivan Mayanja replacing Charles Musiige and Mutyaba in the 61st minute.
Ssekyembe picked up express’ second yellow card of the game in the 65th minute after a dangerous tackle on Police’s Denis Rukundo.
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Express boosted the goal hunts with lethal attacks making efforts on goal until Kambale slotted home with six minutes to full time to give Bbosa’s side the victory.
The red eagles came into this game having failed to score in two consecutive matches including their first loss of the season against UPDF 1-0 away from home and a 0-0 draw against Kyetume at Wankulukuku.
In the same match, Goalkeeper Denis Otim made his debut for the red eagles replacing their first choice Mathias Muwanga who is facing some illness according to reports from the club, and also Muzamiru Mutyaba made his first start of the season.
The three points took the red eagles to the second position with a point behind the table leaders Uganda Revenue Authority and two ahead of Vipers who are hosting KCCA on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, at the Bombo Military Barracks grounds, the game between UPDF and Wakiso Giants ended in a goalless draw.
