Uganda Premier League | Matchday 20
- UPDF 1-2 KCCA
- Mbale Heroes 0-3 Lugazi
KCCA FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over UPDF FC at Bombo Military Grounds, with goals from Usama Arafat and Sadat Anaku proving decisive despite playing almost the entire second half with ten men.
The win, which followed a dominant 5-0 thrashing of Mbale Heroes, propelled KCCA to fourth place on the Uganda Premier League table with 31 points.
Abdallah Mubiru’s men wasted no time asserting themselves, and it took just six minutes for Usama Arafati to break the deadlock.
The forward showcased brilliant technique, receiving a precise cross from Haruna Lukwago before executing a sharp turn and a clinical finish to give KCCA an early advantage.
The game took a dramatic turn just a minute into the second half when referee Shamira Nabadda sent off KCCA’s Joel Sserunjogi for a second bookable offence.
With over 40 minutes still to play, UPDF saw an opportunity to capitalize on the numerical advantage and pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Despite being a man down, KCCA remained composed and doubled their lead in the 70th minute.
Said Mayanja’s vision and precision created an opening for Sadat Anaku, who made no mistake with a neat finish to put the visitors in control.
Former KCCA forward Andrew Samson Kigozi gave the Army Men hope in the 81st minute with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
However, UPDF’s late push for an equalizer was met with resilient defending from KCCA, who held on to claim all three points.
The victory temporarily lifted KCCA to fourth place with 31 points, keeping their hopes of a strong finish alive. Meanwhile, UPDF remained in 11th place with 20 points from 20 matches, as they continue their battle for consistency.
Elsewhere Lugazi at the Mbale Municipal Stadium ran rampant 1-3 against the hosts with goals from Sam Ssemugugu, Hussein Ssenoga and Sharif Saaka.
The hosts’ consolation was netted by their January signing Robert Eseru.
