Express are now 9th on the standings (Express Photos)
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Express 3-1 Bright Stars
Betway Mutessa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Wednesday, 01-05-2019
WANKULUKUKU – Just over a week before their Uganda Cup semi final second leg, Express FC ensured they will go into that game full of confidence as they defeated Bright Stars 3-1 at Wankulukuku on Wednesday afternoon.
Ibrahim Kayiwa (brace) and Tonny Odur scored the goals for the Red Eagles in a game that they dominated for the better part.
Hamis Batega was the only Express player not smiling at the end of it as he scored in his own net, for the visitors’ consolation.
George Ssemwogerere’s side got off to the best of starts as Ibrahim Kayiwa headed them into the lead with just two minutes on the clock.
The attacking midfielder lashed onto a Sadiq Ssekyembe cross, rose highest and headed into the back of the net to ignite a loud roar at Wankulukuku.
As if the goal was not enough to compound their early misery, Bright Stars were forced into a quick substitution inside the opening 9 minutes as Innocent Assimwe limped off the pitch and was replaced by Methodius Jungu.
Jungu nearly made instant impact as he pounced onto a Fred Sseguja way-ward volley and forced as save from Mathias Muwanga in the Express goal.
Express looked to be in control of proceedings and just after the hour mark, Ocholit shot from an acute angle but was denied by Enock Walusimbi who deflected his goal bound strike out for a fruitless corner.
With 10 minutes of the first half to play, Kayiwa doubled Express’ lead to ensure they headed into the break with a healthy 2-0 lead.
Five minutes after the recess, substitute Tony Odur put the game to bed as he headed home another Ssekyembe delivery to make it 3-0.
Odur (right) celebrates scoring the third goal against Bright Stars on Wednesday.
In response, Bright Stars introduced Juma Katende in place Augustine Kacancu on 58 minutes.
With 19 minutes to play, Bright Stars pulled a goal back when Fred Ssegujja’s goal bound shot was diverted into his own net by defender Hamisi Batega.
Another substitute Michael Birungi nearly restored the home side’s three goal caution but his shot rattled the upright, late in the game.
In the End, Express held on to a 10th victory of the season which sees them climb into 9th on the standings with 39 points.
For Bright Stars, they drop into 10th, one points behind Express.
In their next games, Express are away to Onduparaka while Bright Stars host Paidha Black Angels.
The two sides who have so far faced off on 3 occassions this season, will meet again next week on Thursday in the return leg of the Uganda Cup at Wankulukuku.
The first leg at Mwerere ended 1-1 on Sunday.
The other StarTimes Uganda Premier League games played on Wednesday
-Police 0-2 URA
-Paidha Black Angels 0-1 Vipers
-Nyamityobora 0-2 KCCA
*Ndejje University 0-0 Onduparaka (*Washed out after 20 minutes)
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