Express FC roared back to form under the floodlights of Lugogo, thrashing NEC 5-2 to end a frustrating seven-game winless streak in the Startimes Uganda Premier League on Thursday.
The Red Eagles, plagued by missed chances and defensive woes in recent outings, rediscovered their scoring touch with Isaac Wagoina and Emmanuel Wasswa each bagging braces, while Steven Ssenfuma slotted in another.
For NEC, an early goal from in-form striker Cromwell Rwothomio and an unfortunate own goal from Andrew Kaggwa offered consolation.
📹 Goal by Emmanuel Alex Wasswa for Express FC.#StarTimesUPL | #NECEXP pic.twitter.com/ltt6aUkdYh
— StarTimes Uganda Premier League (@UPL) December 21, 2023
The emphatic victory was a welcome tonic for new Express coach Alex Isabirye, who praised his players’ character and fighting spirit.
“That was a good performance from the team. We managed to live up to expectations and this is huge movitation. We can build from this in the next games,” noted Isabirye.
The triumph lifts Express to 16 points and eighth place, four points adrift of NEC in sixth.
Despite the heavy defeat, NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu remains optimistic. “We made mistakes that cost us, but we’ll learn from them and come back stronger after the break,” assured Mbalangu.
URA FC rescue a point from the jaws of defeat
Elsewhere, URA FC staged a dramatic comeback, clawing back from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Busoga United at the FUFA Technical Centre.
Busoga took full advantage of defensive errors by the tax collectors in the first half with goals from Hussein Ssajjabbi and Emmanuel Ajo.
After the break, coach David Obua’s side returned a different side and pulled one back through a close range finish from striker Bruno Junior Bunyaga after good build up play.
📹Goal by Moses Okabo Aliro for URA FC.#StarTimesUPL | #BUSURA pic.twitter.com/1yIXeBQyw1
— StarTimes Uganda Premier League (@UPL) December 21, 2023
Moses Okabo Aliro netted the equaliser in the 82nd minute of play, curling a low shot into the bottom corner to rescue a point for URA FC.
League action continues today with two highly anticipated clashes. First, record champions SC Villa host arch rivals KCCA at Wankulukuku before champions Vipers welcome league leaders BUL to Kitende in the late kickoff.
In the other fixture of the day, Bright Stars led by player of the month Nelson Senkatuka will host UPDF in an early relegation six pointer at Kavumba in Wakiso.
Courtesy Photos
