Uganda Premier League, Friday, October 15
Express 0-2 Arua Hill
Mbarara City 3-1 Bright Stars
Onduparaka FC 1-1 UPDF
KAMPALA, UGANDA: Uganda Premier League Champions Express FC started their title defence on a sad note after a 2-0 loss to league debutants Arua Hill in the season opener at Betway Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
Robert Eseru and Rashid Kawawa scored the goals for the visitors but it was former Red Eagle Alfred Leku who grabbed the headlines for a Man of the Match performance.
Following a goalless first half in which Express FC missed good chances through Eric Kambale and Martin Kiiza, the visitors broke the deadlock after an hour.
Leku, scorer of the goal that saved Express from relegation four years ago beat Murushid Jjuuko on the break and set up Eseru who closely controlled before putting the ball beyond Joel Mutakubwa in the 62nd minute.
The hosts continued to threaten as the Kongolo sat behind the ball and playing on the counter.
Express had a penalty claim after Kambale was felled but ref correctly gave free kick outside the area which went to waste.
They continued to waste several other opportunities before their lethargic attack was punished again with four minutes to the clock.
Bbosa admitted his side were lethargic and promised to return stronger for the next encounter.
“We didn’t use our chances and they converted theirs,” he said. “We shall regroup and return stronger. This is a marathon,” he added.
Express’ next game is a trip to Bombo to face UPDF on October 23 while Arua Hill will be at Barifa playing against SC Villa in case they are put back on the fixture.
In other matches played today, Mbarara City mauled Soltilo Bright Stars 3-1 at Kakyeka stadium while UPDF settled for a 1-1 stalemate with Onduparaka Fc at Betway stadium in Arua.
Starting XI Lineups:
Express FC XI – Mutakubwa Joel, Walusimbi Enock, Akandanahwo Joseph, Isa Muzeeyi Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Nicholas Kasozi, Mutyaba Muzamir, Senkaaba George, Eric Kenzo Kambale, Martin Kizza
Substitutes – Otim Dennis, Mubuya Dennis, Byamukama John, Mayanja Ivan, Raymond Walugembe, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Abel Eturude
Arua Hills FC – Anyama Richard, Atendele Geriga, Muhamad Rashid, Magandaazi Ibrahim, Matovu Richard, Faizul Ibrahim, Ndihabwe David, Eseru Robert, Ssaaka Sharif, Wahab Gadafi, Leku Alfred
Subs – Kibowa Erick, Atandu Aggrey, Maduka Innocent, Mugalu Allan, Eyam Ivan, Ssekamatte Samuel, Kawawa Rashid
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