In a dramatic Uganda Premier League encounter at Wankulukuku Stadium on Tuesday, nine-man BUL FC managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Express FC, to open up a five point lead in the league race.
BUL took an early lead with a 7th minute goal from marauding leftback Nicholas Mwere but were pegged back just before half time when Express FC striker Isaac Wagoina calmly converted a controversial penalty.
The penalty, awarded by referee Asadu Ssemeere for a perceived foul on Emmanuel Wasswa by BUL’s Mwere, was met with disbelief as replays showed the defender clearing the ball away before the Express striker fell in his path.
Despite being reduced to nine men following the second half dismissals of defenders Walter Ochora and Bennon Tahomera, as well as assistant coach Simeon Masaba, all in a space of eleven minutes, BUL held their ground against the Red Eagles.
The wet surface proved to be a challenge for both teams, limiting their effectiveness in the final third. However Gerald Ogweti almost won it all for BUL with 14 minutes left when his powerful shot was saved by Express custodian Abdul Kimera.
BUL coach Abbey Kikomeko applauded his team’s fighting spirit. “We played as a team, and the players showed great character. Despite having three red cards, we managed to prove our ability. We will go back, rectify our mistakes, and bounce back,” Kikomeko stated.
Express FC coach James Odoch who was reportedly sacked after the game feels they didn’t do enough.
“Our target was to win but we failed to achieve it. The fact we had lost our previous games, we wanted to bounce back strong. But getting a result against BUL is not easy” noted Odoch.
Sources at the club reveal that the Club CEO Ashraf Miiro sacked the entire technical team in the aftermath of the game.
Other Tuesday results
Meanwhile, in a separate match at Kavumba Recreation Ground, record champions SC Villa and Soltilo Bright Stars played out a 1-1 draw.
Nelson Senkatuka gave Bright Stars the lead in the 20th minute, but Villa responded with an equalizer before halftime from Ivan Bogere.
In Adjumani, Wakiso Giants came back twice from a goal down to share spoils with Arua Hill in a 2-2 draw at Paridi Stadium.
The Kongolo took the lead in the 28th minute through John Rogers but Wakiso Giants answered back through Samson Kigozi at the stroke of halftime.
In the second half, Arua Hill retook the lead at the hour mark through Abdulahi Rashid and were on course for a vital win until experienced midfielder Tom Masiko equalised for the visitors in the 80th minute.
Courtesy Photos
