Uganda Premier League
Onduparaka FC 0-1 Express FC
Green Light Stadium, Arua
Friday, 07-02-2020
Ten-man Express FC registered their first-ever victory over Onduparaka FC on Friday afternoon.
The Red Eagles who had not beaten the Caterpillars on all seven previous occasions scraped to a 1-0 victory at the Green Light Stadium in Arua.
Despite seeing Lawrence Kigonya sent off early in the second half, substitute Frank Ssenyondo would ensure Wasswa Bbosa gets his maiden three points, on return to coaching Express as he scored the only goal of the contest.
Bbosa took over from George Ssemwogerere last week and with all hopes of saving the Express season on his shoulders, the former SC Villa and Tooro United tactician announced his arrival with a massive win.
Express started the better side but were struggling to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Onduparaka defense.
Eric Kambale shot just wide after receiving a pass from captain Disan Ggaliwango.
The mid-season signing then twice headed wide from good positions.
Disan Ggaliwango tried a fancy lob on Onduparaka goalkeeper Yusuf Wasswa but Rashid Muhammad recovered brilliantly to head out for a corner.
Having earlier received a yellow card for walking off the pitch without the referee’s consent, Kigonya would be booked for the second time early in the second time after a clumsy challenge and given his marching orders.
Despite the numerical advantage, Onduparaka still would not apply sustained pressure on the Express goal.
With six minutes to play, Ssenyondo who haad earlier in the second half replaced the in-effective Frank Kalanda, was teed up by Daniel Shabena to slot into the back of the net, past Wasswa for what would prove to be the winning goal.
The three points earned see Express climb out of the relegation zone and into 11th. The Red Eagles now have 24 points from 21 games.
For Onduparaka, they remain 5th with 30 points so far this season.
In their next assignments, Onduparaka are away to SC Villa on February 19 while Express will take on Maroons in the Uganda Cup before a home fixture against Tooro United in the League.
How both teams started
Onduparaka FC
Yusuf Wasswa, Richard Ayiko, Allan Busobozi, Rashid Muhammad, Denis Andama, Hassan Muhamood, Rajab Kakooza, Joel Jangeyambe, Jamal Malish, Rashid Okocha, Julius Malingumu
Express FC
Tony Kyamera, Yiga Muhammad, Hamis Batega, Martin Kizza, David Kakeeto, Daniel Shabena, Isaac Doka Mweru, Lawrence Kigonya, Dissan Galiwango, Eric Kambale, Frank Kalanda
The other games played on Friday
-Mbarara City FC 1-0 Police FC
