Uganda Premier League
Maroons FC 0-1 Express FC
Luzira Prisons Stadium, Luzira
Thursday, 05-03-2020
Frank Kalanda ensured Express FC exerts sweet revenge on Maroons FC as he netted the winning goal when the two sides met on Thursday.
The former URA FC striker scored off Disan Ggaliwango’s corner midway through the second half, moments after Hannington Ssebwalunyo had done well to keep out Daniel Shabena’s effort.
Victory is Express’s first against Maroons this season despite this being the third fixture between the two sides.
The Red Eagles had earlier been held to a 2-2 draw in the league before a penalty shootout defeat by the same side dumped them out of the Uganda Cup last month.
With three points a huge priority for Wasswa Bbosa’s side who went into the game just 6 points off the drop, they were on the offensive straight away.
Arthur Kiggundu rattled the cross bar from a free kick while Kalanda who has now scored 10 goals this season, shot over from a good position.
Pacey winger Frank Ssenyondo who was a constant manace on the right sent a teasing cross in to the area but it was well cleared by Maroons.
Despite being on top, Bbosa’s charges were forced to go into the break at 0-0.
Everything changed after the when captain Disan Ggaliwango was sent on in place of Doka Mwiru on 52 minutes.
The left-back who made the team after a late fitness test breathed new life into the team and they piled the pressure.
Three minutes after the hour mark, he delivered a corner into the area which Kalande fed on to net what would prove to be the winner.
For the home side who have slumped into 13th of late, they did create a few chances although they were second best for almost the entire contest.
Feliz Okot tried a speculative effort which flew over while league top scorer Steven Mukwala headed Ceaser Olega’s cross wide.
The could have had help to go in front in the first half but Arthur Kiggundu saw what would be an own goal off a header expertly dealt with by custodian Mathais Muwanga.
With two minutes to play, James Angu had a chance to level matters but his goal-bound effort was saved by Muwanga.
The victory is Express’s third under Bbosa and the 9th of the season and it sees them move to 31 points for the season. They now sit a healthy 9 points away from the relegation zone.
For Maroons, defeat leaves them in 13th, two points above the relegation zone on 24 (points).
In their next fixtures, Express will host Wakiso Giants FC on May 6th, the same day Police FC will be away to Police FC.
How both teams started
Maroons FC
Sebwalunnyo Hannington (GK), Okello Sylvester, Okello Maxwell, Bwogi Edgar, Olega Ceaser, Mayanja Davis, Okot Felix, Baden Mujahid, Olinga Emmanuel, Tusubira Abraham, Mukwala Steven
Express FC
Mathias Muwanga (GK), Martin Kizza, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Issa Lumu, Arthur Kiggundu, Cyrus Kibande (2)
Frank Ssenyondo, Daniel Shabena (6)
Frank Kalanda, Isaac Doka Mweru, Eric Kambale.
