Azam Uganda Premier League
Mbarara City 1-0 Onduparaka FC
Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara
Wednesday, 10-05-2018
Mbarara City moved a step closer to securing their Azam Uganda Premier League status with a 1-0 victory over Onduparaka in the only game played on Wednesday.
A first half penalty by Nigerian forward Emmanuel Obinna was the difference between two closely matched team on the day.
Onduparaka who came into the game needing only two points to ensure that the current campaign is the best they have ever enjoyed in the top flight, took the initiative and Mbarara goalkeeper Muhammad Ssekeba was the one to thank by the home side as he pureed over Rashid Toha’s free-kick which was headed for the top corner.
Moments later, Toha nearly turned villain when he played in Emmanuel Obinna after the Onduparaka captain mis-cued a Brian Ahebwa cross only for the Nigerian to control poorly while one on one with Nicholas Ssebwato in the Caterpillars’ goal.
Obinna made quick amends when he scored Mbarara City’s opener from a well taken penalty, the fifth in six games for the Ankole Lions and his fourth from the spot this season.
Onduparaka players bitterly protested the penalty decision awarded by referee Muzamiru Waiswa but nothing could deter the home side to go into half-time while in the lead as the goal was allowed to stand and the Catepillers failed to forge a way to level terms.
Five minutes into the second half, South Sudanese striker Makeuth Wol missed a glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 to the home side when he failed to convert from close range after Onduparaka had failed to clear their lines.
With the last twenty minutes of the game, Onduparaka called for a double change.
John Wesley Kisakye and Gadafi Gadinho replaced teenager Jamal Malish and Moses Ndawula respectively.
The subs made impact and with 10 minutes to play, Muhammed Hassan nearly headed home Onduparaka’s equalizer but his brushed attempt off Gadihno’s perfectly chipped free-kick missed target by inches.
There was chaos towards the end of the match as Onduparaka fans who had accessed the perimeter fencing started fighting amongest them selves but order was restored a few minutes later.
This was Mbarara City’s 6th win of the season and it takes them to 32 points from 28 games.
The Ankole who are in their first top flight season in morethan 10 years now seat five points above relegation Zone and with the way the league has unfolded this season, it is ok to say that they (Mbarara) are as too as safe.
For Onduparaka, they suffered thier 8th loss of the season which leaves them fourth on the 16 team log with 45 points from 29 matches.
Upcoming fixtures in Azam Uganda Premier League:
Friday, 11th May 2018:
• Express Vs SC Villa Jogoo – Wankulukuku Stadium
• BUL Vs Bright Stars – Kakindu Stadium, Jinja
• UPDF Vs Soana – Bombo Military Barracks Stadium
• Maroons Vs Police – Luzira Prisons Stadium.
Saturday, 19th May 2018:
• Bright Stars Vs KCCA – Champions Stadium, Mwererwe.
Monday, 21st May 2018:
• Proline Vs SC Villa Jogoo – Star Times Stadium, Lugogo.
Tuesday, 22nd May 2018:
• Vipers Vs Express -St Mary’s Kitende
• KCCA Vs BUL – Star Times Stadium, Lugogo
