Uganda Premier League 2024/25 (Match one):
KCCA 1-0 URA
Under floodlights, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) overcame Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) 1-0 as the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League season officially got underway.
Saidi Mayanja’s low beautiful drive in the opening half won the day for Abdallah Mubiru’s coached side before a reasonable number of fans at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala.
The visitors had a brilliant start to the game with the opening corner kick in under four minutes.
Etienne Katenga dribbles the ball | Credit: John Batanudde
KCCA swiftly reacted with a quick counterattack when Etienne Katenga raced on the right flank to deliver a sweet cross-in before midfielder Joel Sserunjogi had a shot blocked.
Left back James Mubezi recovered from an early knock to soldier on moments before URA midfielder Norman Namanya was cautioned by FIFA female referee Shamira Nabadda for unsporting conduct.
Forward Derrick Nsibambi had a well-glanced header saved by URA shot stopper Derrick Ochan before the former hit the rebound on the side-netting in the 13th minute.
URA got the opportunity to shoot directly at the opposition goal with a 35-yard free-kick when Hassan Muhamud brought down a free dribbling Godfrey Ssekibengo.
Joshua Lubwama looks on referee Shamirah Nabadda marks the free-kick spot | Credit: John Batanudde
Joshua Lubwama, URA’s skipper on the evening curled over the resultant free-kick
Namanya shot way off target in the 25th minute off the weaker left foot before the first cooling break of the game was granted.
Upon restart of play, Saidi Mayanja lit up the stadium with a great curl past goalkeeper Ochan towards the half-hour mark.
Saidi Mayanja celebrates KCCA’s goal at Lugogo
Saidi Mayanja celebrates KCCA’s goal at Lugogo against URA
KCCA midfielder Joel Sserunjogi became the second player to be cautioned in the game with the visitors granted a free-kick 30 yards from goal.
Again, Lubwama curled the ball over from the resultant free-kick.
Namanya forced a save from goalkeeper Mugolofa with the clock clicking to end the opening stanza.
On the quick break, Katenga had a good run thwarted by James Begisa
URA’s Sharif Sheen Kimbowa got booked for a foul on KCCA forward Katenga on the stroke of halftime.
As the second half returned, Bruno Bunyaga replaced a silent Kimbowa and KCCA introduced Harunah Lukwago for Sharif Ssengendo.
The home side commenced the second half on a bright footing with a quick corner kick.
Bright Anukani
Derrick Nsibambi
Ibrahim Wamannah of URA
A set piece moment for KCCA against URA
Amis Bwangani closes down Filbert Obenchan at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo | Credit: John Batanudde
Moments later, Bright Anukani forced a save from goalie Ochan, and Derrick Nsibambi’s rebound was volleyed over from an acute angle.
On the hour mark, URA made a triple change. The trio of Joseph Ssemujju, George Masembe and Faizo Matovu were all introduced for the tax collectors.
Bunyaga shot over inside the KCCA goal area but from the flanks in the 62nd minute.
It was KCCA’s turn again as Anukani orchestrated a great run before hurriedly shooting over in the 65th minute.
A minute later, Nsibambi headed wide Lukwago’s cross from right as the home side sought for a killer.
URA reacted, forcing goalkeeper Mugolofa to execute a save from Joseph Ssemujju’s long-range shot.
Lubwama was cautioned for a malicious foul on Nsibambi following a wild lunge that would have easily earned him a send-off.
Sserunjogi’s free-kick from 25 yards curled out away from the URA goal post.
In the final quarter hour of the game; URA introduced Laban Tibita for a tired Namanya before KCCA rested Katenga for Ashraf Mugume.
It remained an end-to-end affair in the final 10 minutes. URA forced two consecutive corner kicks that KCCA defended well before Mayanja shot from outside the goal area got brushed off for a corner kick well defended.
The final score read 1-0 as KCCA earned the maximum points in the virgin season and agony for the tax collectors coming to match day two next week where both teams will be on the road.
KCCA takes on BUL at the Lugazi stadium in Najjembe on 20th September 2024. On the same day, URA will visit Soltilo Bright Stars.
KCCA XI Vs URA | Credit: John Batanudde
Team Line Ups:
KCCA XI: Mutwalibi Mugolofa (GK), Fillbert Obenchan (Captain), James Mubezi, Hassan Muhamud, Musitafa Mujjuzi, Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Bright Anukani, Etienne Katenga, Sharif Ssengendo, Derrick Nsibambi
Subs: Emojong (G.K), Peter Magambo, Haruna Lukwago, Ashraf Mugume, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Steven Munguchi, Ijara, Abu, Isa Mubiru, Juma, Anyama, Mwanje
URA XI Vs KCCA | Credit: John Batanudde
URA XI: Derrick Ochan (G.K), James Begisa, Enock Walusimbi, Joshua Lubwama (Captain), Norman Namanya, Ibrahim Wammanah, Godfrey Ssekibengo, Amis Bwangani, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Sharifh Sheen Kimbowa, Moses Aliro
Subs: Denis Otim (G.K), Justin Opiro, Nicholas Kabonge, George Masembe, Laban Tibiita, Abraham Tusubira, Bruno Bunyaga, Faizo Matovu, John Innocent Kisolo, Hudu Mulikyi, Joseph Ssemujju, Joseph Bright Vuni
Other match day fixtures:
Saturday 14th September 2024
Lugazi FC Vs Kitara FC, Lugazi FC Stadium-Najjembe (4:00pm) Live on FUFA TV
Sunday 15th September 2024
Wakiso Giants FC Vs Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium-Wakiso (3:00pm).
Maroons FC Vs UPDF FC, Luzira Prison Ground (3:00pm).
NEC FC Vs Vipers SC, MTN Omondi Stadium-Lugogo (6:00pm) Live on FUFA TV
Monday 16th September2024
SC Villa Vs Mbarara City FC, Mutesa II Stadium-Wankulukuku (4:00pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV
Police FC Vs BUL FC, Kavumba Recreation Ground-Wakiso (4:00pm)
Express FC Vs Mbale Heroes FC, Ham Stadium-Nakivubo (7:00pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV
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