Cecafa Kagame Cup: Express Fc defeat KMKM to reach finals

Tuesday, August 10
CECAFA Kagame Cup Semifinal – Express (Uganda) 2-1 KMKM (Zanzibar)

Express Football Club have progressed to the 2021 CECAFA Kagame Cup final after edging Zanzibar-based KMKM 2-1 in Tuesday’s Semi-final at the Azam Sports Complex in Chamazi, Tanzania.

Red Eagles Striker Erick Kambale scored the late penalty to seal the win in what proved to be a tense semi-final match on Tuesday evening.

KMKM took the lead in the opening half through Ibrahim Abdullah Hamad in the second minute of added time of the first stanza.

Ten minutes into the second half, the reigning Uganda Premier League champions gallantly fought back. In form midfielder, Muzamiru Mutyaba replied with a well-curled free-kick for the equalizer.

Mutyaba’s curling free-kick from the edge of the 18-yard goal mark was executed past the defensive wall into the roof of the net.

This followed a handball by defender Richard John, called by the South Sudan referee Ring Malong. This was Mutyaba’s third goal of the tournament before he paved way for Abel Eturude in the 79th minute.

Inside the four added minutes, Express earned a penalty for a foul on Martin Kizza. Kambale was confident to shoot home the winner that saw progress Express to the finals. After scoring, Kambale was cautioned for removing his shirt, an act punishable by a yellow card.

Like Mutyaba, Kambale has also scored three goals in the championship whose winner will pocket $30,000.

Express will now face the winner between Azam and Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets.

Starting XI

Express FC XI – Joel Mutakubwa, Enock Walusimbi, Arthur Kiggundu, Murushid Juuko, Issa Lumu, John Byamukama, Mahad Kakooza Yaya, Muzamir Mutyaba, Martin Kizza, Eric Kambale, George Ssenkaaba.

KMKM XI – Nassor Abdallah, Ali Mohamed, Haji Mgwali, Richard Jovit John, Ibrahim Abdallah, Ibrahim Khamis, Samier Yahya, Ishaka Said, Abdul-Rahman Othman, Mohamed Said Mohamed, Ilyasa Suleiman Mohamed