Uganda Premier League | Friday | MD 23
- Express 2-2 Vipers
- Lugazi FC 2-2 UPDF FC
Uganda Premier League dished out another entertaining fixture on Friday evening as UPDF FC and Lugazi FC battled to a pulsating 2-2 draw in a four-goal thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats at Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe
Coming into the encounter, UPDF FC carried a slight mental edge, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 at their Bombo Military Barracks Ground. And true to form, the Army side came out of the blocks with intensity and intent.
They made their intentions clear early in the match when forward Samuel Ssekamate found the back of the net in the 14th minute. A precise finish and a well-constructed move saw UPDF take a 0-1 lead, silencing the home crowd and setting the tone for a strong first half from the visitors.
As the halftime whistle blew, UPDF looked in control, perhaps believing they had the game right where they wanted it. But football, ever so unpredictable, had different plans after the break.
Lugazi FC emerged for the second half with renewed energy and purpose and within a breathtaking two-minute spell, they turned the game on its head.
Samuel Ssemugugu struck the equalizer in the 50th minute and barely had UPDF recovered when Emmanuel Obua fired home in the 52nd minute to give Lugazi a sudden 2-1 lead. The stadium erupted, the home fans sensing a famous comeback was in the making.
Despite the setback, UPDF coached by Paul Kiwanuka, didn’t fold. They slowly began to claw their way back into the match.
Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Joseph Janjali leveled matters, finishing a well-worked move to make it 2-2. It was game on once again.
The final 20 minutes saw both teams push for a winner, but despite the drama and end-to-end action, neither side could find the finishing touch. The draw, though hard fought, was a fair reflection of a thrilling contest filled with momentum swings and moments of brilliance.
With the result, Lugazi FC climbed one spot to 11th place on the league table with 27 points from 23 games while UPDF remained just above them in 10th place on 29 points.
Looking ahead, Lugazi FC make a short trip to Butema to face Kitara on Tuesday, April 15th while UPDF return to their fortress in Bombo to host Maroons on Wednesday, April 16th.
Elsewhere, the Vipers came from behind to draw 2-2 with Express FC at the Hamz Stadium.
The hosts scored two first-half goals through their Captain Emmanuel Wasswa while Allan Okello restored hope from the visitors before Mulongo Gusto tapped home from close range to complete the comeback.
