Pilsner Super 8
Mbarara City FC 2-0 URA FC
Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara
Friday, 02-08-2019
URA FC head coach Sam Simbwa was left to blame different circumstances after his side lost 2-0 to Mbarara City FC in the Pilsner Super 8.
In the match played at Kakyeka Stadium on Friday, the Tax Collectors were undone by two second half goals by Brian Ahebwa and Paul Mucurezi, leaving them to play placement encounters in the competition.
URA who have signed up to 14 new players struggled to get started and lived on the edge for most of the first half and were happy to see it end goalless.
At the start of the second (half), Simbwa introduced Cromwel Rothwomio in place of debutant Anwaru Ntege and later Steven Munguchi for Joackiam Ojera, but things just turned for the worst.
Ahebwa put the hosts in front with 22 minutes to play, collecting a low cross from the left before slotting into the net past Alionzi Nafian.
URA upped the tempo hoping to get an equalizer but ut was Mbarara who killed the contest off.
Mucurezi was picked up inside the area and the former St. Mary’s Kitende and KCCA FC forward scored a second to put the game to bed.
Simbwa who was critical of the officiating ahead of the game, had a few words for the official after the contest despite accepting that his team was beaten.
“Their were some lapses like when we got a genuine penalty and the referee waved it off, said Simbwa.
“I accept Mbarara has won but we shall meet in the league.
URA were missing several players for the game, some of whom are currently with the National team gearing up for the CHAN 2020 qualifiers’ return leg with Somalia on Saturday.
With players missing, the former Express FC and KCCA FC tactician could not help but talk about them.
“Mbarara was good but we were lucking six starters, continued Simbwa.
“May be if they were all there, we would have been a better side.
“The law is very clear that if you have more than two players on the National team, you don’t play but we were forced to while KCCA saw their game postponed.
“We shall not complain because we shall meet them in a better shape in the league.
It should be noted that URA have James Alitho, Patrick Mbowa and Shafick Kagimu camping with the Cranes.
Whether their absence contributed to the loss on Friday, only God knows.
Mbarara now join Vipers SC in the semi finals of this year’s Pilsner Super 8. Vipers defeated Proline FC 1-0 on Wednesday.
The teams that started
Mbarara City FC
Mohammed Ssekeba, Zaid, Jasper, Ronald Otti, Hilary Mukundane, Pistis Barenge, Solomon Okwalinga, Onyai, Paul Mucureezi, Brian Aheebwa, Ibrahim Orit
URA FC
Alionzi Nafian, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Yeseri Waibi, Hudu Mulikyi, Julius Mutyaba, Saidi Keni, Moses Sseruyidde, Brian Majwega, Seenyonga Mikidadi, Joackim Ojera, Ntege Anwar.
