StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Express FC 0-0 Mbarara City FC
Betway Mutessa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Tuesday, 05-03-2019
WANKULUKUKU – Express continued their poor display in front of goal as they were held to a goalless draw.
In a game in which they were dominated in terms of possession, the Red Eagles barely had a telling attempt on goal as they were restricted to speculative efforts.
Under George Ssemwogerere, Express have struggled to create chances in the final third and in process, scored only four goals in 7 competitive matches.
Despite the struggles, Ssemwogerere was happy with how the game ended.
“The boys have tried to attack and defend and in the end we got a point.
“I am very happy to get a point, especially off a side that is third on the standings.
“Mbarara did not create any chances in front of goal but we created four chances of our own although we did not score.
Express best chance of the game came inside the first minute of the game but Tony Odur’s header off Arthur Kiggundu’s free-kick, was expertly tipped over by Mbarara custodian Ali Kimera.
Towards halftime, Michael Birungi had a shot blocked Pistus Barenga and out for just a corner.
Disan Galiwango who was returning from suspension also had a shot from distance which as pushed out for a corner by Kimera.
Mbarara dominant in terms of possession but no end product:
Going into the game third on the log, Mbarara exhibited a great deal of confidence, dominating possession, pressing high up the pitch and playing out from the back.
The Ankole Lions’ quick press was causing issues for Express and on 35 minutes, Muwanga half-cleared a John Revita back pass, the ball fell to Derrick Onyai and after a scramble and desperate defending, Shafik Kaketo was forced to concede a corner.
Mbarara made a quick break on 52 minutes but Paul Mucurezi shot weakly at Muwanga after wonderful link-up play between Ibrahim Orit and Jude Semugabi.
Hillary Mukundane got the final chance of the game but miscued his attempted shot inside the area after Muwanga failed to hold-onto Ivan Eyam’s routine free-kick from the right.
The result leaves sees Express climb into 9th on the log with 29 points from 23 games.
For Mbarara, they remain third with 40 points.
The other games played on Tuesday:
-Nyamityobora FC 1-0 Onduparaka FC
-Ndejje University FC 2-1 Vipers SC