Entebbe UPPC assistant head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi struck a realistic tone after his side edged UPDF FC 1-0, admitting the win was earned through discipline and resilience rather than style.
Speaking after the Uganda Premier League clash at the Bombo Military Grounds, Mbabazi praised his players for navigating a tough match in difficult conditions, with Ambrose Kigozi’s late first-half goal proving decisive once again.
“It’s a good feeling to get three points at Bombo, it’s not easy,” Mbabazi said.
“I thank the players. They managed the game well. It wasn’t perfect, but we got what mattered: the points.”
Kigozi, who also scored the winner against URA, struck deep into first-half stoppage time in sweltering heat.
The goal against UPDF took him to seven league goals, keeping him atop the Uganda Premier League scoring charts.
“Our preparation wasn’t good,” he said. “We didn’t train for four days because we couldn’t access the pitch, and travel was difficult for the players. But despite all that, the boys managed the game.”
UPDF, despite their struggles near the bottom of the table, applied sustained pressure throughout. Mbabazi dismissed their league position, insisting they remain a quality side.
“It’s strange to see UPDF in a relegation battle because they are a good team,” he said. “They played very well today.”
UPPC’s rise has been built on defensive strength. The win marked a sixth clean sheet of the season and a fourth straight shutout, following victories over Express FC, Kitara FC and URA.
“I’ve worked with most of these defenders for a long time,” Mbabazi said.
“They haven’t always gotten what they deserve, but they are good players. We need clean sheets, and they are doing their job.”
At the other end, Mbabazi was clear about Kigozi’s role.
“The heartbeat of a fan is a goal,” he said.
“That’s why we signed Kigozi to score. If he doesn’t, there’s another striker. Thankfully, he’s doing his job and giving us points.”
“To be honest, we didn’t deserve the three points, we stole them,” Mbabazi said.
“UPDF were the better side and created more chances. We took the one clear chance we had, and that made the difference.”
The victory lifts Entebbe UPPC to fourth on 26 points, just one behind the leaders. With eight wins, two draws and three defeats from 13 matches, Abdallah Mubiru’s side continue to quietly build momentum.
They next host Maroons FC at Entebbe Bugonga Fisheries Grounds on January 27, hoping determination, goals and defensive solidity can keep them firmly in the title conversation.
