Uganda Premier League | Friday – MatchDay 21
- Wakiso Giants 0-1 UPDF
- Lugazi 0-1 Maroons
Samuel Ssekamatte made a triumphant return from injury, scoring the decisive goal as UPDF FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wakiso Giants in the Uganda Premier League at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
After missing UPDF FC’s last three matches against SC Villa, URA, and KCCA due to injury, Ssekamatte was introduced in the 61st minute, replacing Kitara Daniel.
Just 14 minutes later, he made his presence felt, latching onto a through ball before smashing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Alitho James in the 75th minute. It was his fourth goal of the season and his first from open play.
Notably, Ssekamatte was also the hero in the reverse fixture at Bombo Barracks Military Ground, where he scored the only goal from the penalty spot. His influence continues to be crucial for UPDF FC, who have now won all three of their recent visits to Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium by the same 1-0 scoreline.
UPDF FC started the match on the front foot, dictating play and creating several scoring opportunities. However, Wakiso Giants’ goalkeeper Alitho James was in inspired form, making three crucial saves to keep out Rashid Farid and Kitara Daniel, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
Despite showing slight improvement in the second half, Wakiso Giants failed to break down UPDF’s defense. Their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly as Ssekamatte’s strike sealed yet another frustrating result for the struggling side.
The loss extends Wakiso Giants’ winless run to a staggering 18 matches, ending their three-game unbeaten home streak. They have now failed to win at home in nine consecutive games, piling more pressure on head coach Steven Bengo. The team remains in 14th place with just 14 points, staring at the grim reality of relegation.
In contrast, UPDF FC’s victory moved them up to 10th place, with 27 points from 21 matches. Remarkably, they have already matched their total points tally from each of the last two seasons with 10 games still to play.
UPDF FC will aim to build on this momentum when they host NEC FC on April 4, while Wakiso Giants will be desperate to turn their fortunes around when they visit Mbale Heroes on April 5.
In the day’s other early fixture, Maroons FC also secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Lugazi FC in Najjembe, thanks to a 19th-minute goal from Abel Eterude.
Meanwhile, a highly anticipated late-night clash between KCCA and Bright Stars is set to take place at 7 PM in Lugogo, with both teams looking to climb the league table.
