Ibrahim Saddam Juma (right) runs away with the ball under the watchful eye of Villa striker George Ssenkaaba: PHOTO BY SHABAN LUBEGA
KCCA FC moved to within a point of log leaders SC Villa after a hard fought 1-0 win at the StarTimes stadium.
Teenage sensation Allan Okello’s free-kick in the 85th minute was the all-important difference between the sides.
SC Villa dominated much of the first half creating several half chances and were also unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 30th minute when KCCA FC midfielder Ibrahim Saddam Juma clumsily brought down striker Alex Kitata in the box.
KCCA’s only real sight of goal in the half came on 39 minutes when Saddam Juma hit the upright with a 25 yard strike much to the delight of Villa goalkeeper Samson Kirya who was clearly no where near the ball.
KCCA FC coach Mike Mutebi brought on teenager Allan Okello for Jackson Nunda at halftime and what a stroke of genius that would later prove out to be.
Okello was straight in to the mix as he became a menace on the left side of Villa’s defence and he forced a brilliant save from goalkeeper Kirya on 60 minutes as his curled long range strike was tipped over by the goalkeeper.
Minutes later, Okello was at it again when he struck the cross bar with a ferocious strike from outside the box.
With five minutes to go, the teenage sensation would not be denied for a third time as he expertly placed a low free-kick from outside the box into the left bottom corner after striker Shaban Muhammad was fouled outside the box.
SC Villa had two clear cut chances from both Allan Kyambadde and striker George Ssenkaaba in the second half expertly saved by man of the match, Charles Lukwago who looked impenetrable on the day.
“It was a great result for us on a day that am sure all teams played quality football. Said KCCA coach Mike Mutebi.
“We could easily have fallen seven points behind Villa in the title race but we are now only a point behind.
When asked about Okello’s performance, Mutebi had this to say.
“He is a special player like Ihave continuously said. He did what special players do in big matches and I am proud he is in my team.
KCCA now move to 32 points from 16 games, one point behind leaders SC Villa who have played one more game.
