KCCA beat Wakiso Giants to get their SUPL Second Round campaign start victorious, thanks to Roger Mato’s lone goal .
Mato who seemed to be coming from an offside position scored a contested goal for the visiting team from close range at the closing minutes.
Assistant referee put his flag up to indicate an offside, but after consultations, referee Ali Sabila counted the goal.
Mato had collided out of play with Wakiso Giants’ Lawrence Bukenya (who remained off the pitch), before coming back into the field of play to score.
Per rules, the goal rightly stands as Bukenya despite being off the pitch keeps any KCCA player onside.
The rule states that ‘A defender off the pitch without permission, is considered to be on the goal line or touchline for the purposes of offside.’
On the flip side of the coin, KCCA would have been awarded a penalty after Allan Okello was brought down in the area before the ball slipped away into Mato’s path.
The victory helps KCCA complete a league double over Wakiso Giants, having beaten them 3-2 at Lugogo in the season opener.
Morley Byekwaso’s side who finished the first round on a low note after losing 1-0 to Bright Stars, move to 32 points on top of the standings.
The Purple Sharks looked like a shadow of themselves especially going forward.
That quality that saw them blow away opponents in the first period of the season, was visibly missing.
That was expected after Ibrahim Kasule moved to Turkey, and it promises to be tough times ahead given the fact that Titus Ssematimba is with the Uganda Hippos preparing for AFCON U20 championship.
The best chance fell to substitute Sharif Kimbowa who was picked by Frank Ssebuufu with a cutback but his effort was poor and an easy save for Derrick Ochan.
Mikidad had earlier came close twice, but his powerful shot punched over by Ochan before later failing to find the target from a freekick in a good area.
Alex Komakech’s long drive was deflected for a corner while Moses Aliro was denied by a brilliant tackle by Geoffrey Wasswa early before halftime.
Coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda will be hoping for better days ahead, but this result will be hard to take in on a day they should have at least squeesed out a point.
Striker Simon Kakonde worked tirelessly, although the same cannot be said of his partner Shaban Muhammad who ghosted through the contest.
Kakonde was a live wire and forced a good save from Samson Kirya, and he had earlier seen his drive go an inch wide.
Brian Majwega had a swerving effort kept out in some of KCCA’s rare chances on the day.
KCCA have extended to to four points lead above BUL and Vipers on the table standing, with the defending champions still having CAF Champions League assignments.
Meanwhile:
Maroons fc have completed league double over Busoga United FC after picking a narrow 1-0 win over Busoga United away in their first of Second round held at the FUFA technical Centre in Njeru.
Substitute Darius Ojok’s second half strike was enough as the Luzira based club picked maximum points away from home.
The win, 4th for Maroons this season helped them complete a league double over Busoga United. They moved to 18 points in the 9th position after 15 games.
For Busoga, it was a poor day for them as they failed to live to their best at home.
The first opening 45 minutes saw a limited chances from both sides as they failed to create clear cut chances.
But after the break, it was the Visitors that showed early intent to score first on the day.
They created chances with their danger man Fred Amaku and new signing Brian Kayanja all coming closer.
And finally in the 72nd minute, off the bench, Ojok broke the deadlock to send the visiting team into wild celebrations.
His goal, the first in his Uganda premier League career was just enough to hand Maroons all the three needed points on the day.
Victory ensured that Maroons kick starter the second round in style. They are now in the 9th position with 18 points so far.
For Busoga United, their woes continued as they suffered their 11 th loss of the season. They remain second from the bottom with just nine points and must double their efforts if they are to save their season.
Thursday reslts and up coming fixture
Wakiso Giants 0-1 KCCA
Busoga United 0-1 Maroons
Friday, February 10
BUL Vs Blacks Power
