Solomon Okwalinga scored two goals as Mbarara City overcame visitors Onduparaka 2-1 at Kakyeka stadium on Tuesday to record their first win in six matches.
Mbarara who on Sunday relieved Paul Nkata of his coaching duties following a series of awful results, and installing Brian Sseyondo as caretaker were the better side throughout the evening. It came as no surprise when they took the lead inside twenty minutes through Solomon Okwalinga. That goal was the difference at halftime.
In the second half, the home side picked up from where they had left prompting Onduparaka coach Livingston Mbabazi to make some changes. He introduced Abdul Lukwata -who had an immediate impact with his deadly crosses- for Gibson Adinho and Jamal Malish scorer of three goals against Kyetume for Vitalis Tabu.
Onduparaka’s goal arrived in the 76th minute when Kakooza headed in Gaddafi Wahab’s free kick, but just like they did to the hosts last season on the same ground, they were denied a point with Okwalinga scoring his second to ensure the Ankole Lions returned to winning ways.
While the Caterpillars headed into the game on the back of a resounding 7-1 victory over Kyetume, Mbarara had lost four of their last six games and their last victory was on 1st October.
Mbarara remain glued thirteenth in the league despite the win. Nothing changes for Onduparaka as well as they stay 4th with 23 points.
Meanwhile, Proline secured a narrow victory on Tuesday as they beat Bright Stars 2-1 at the StarTimes stadium, Lugogo to record their third victory of the campaign.
The hosts were without victory since beating Express 2-1 at the start of October, losing four in that period, but held on to edge their fellow strugglers.
Edrisa Lubega handed his side the lead in the 33rd minute, but Bright Stars who have triumphed just once this term were quick to respond as Augustine Kacancu restored parity from the penalty spot two minutes later making sure that they went for the break on level terms.
The advantage was however, restored a couple of minutes into the second half through Hakim Kiwanuka, and Proline held on to secure the all important points. Kiwanuka was named Man of the Match for his display and most importantly, for his winning goal.
It was a hot tempered affair as four players entered the referee’s book. Bright Star’s Andrew Kaggwa, Joseph Janjali and Kacancu received the bookings, while Proline saw Bright Anukani a returnee to the squad from the national team cautioned.
The result has no effect on the table, but it is one that might just set the tone for Proline who’ve spent much of the round rooted to the bottom of the table. They stay bottom with four points, and Bright Stars remain 14th with ten points.
Elsewhere, In Uganda Premier League Kyetume FC 0-3 Wakiso Giants FC the held in Bombo Barracks Stadium, Bombo
Just over a week after parting ways with Kefa Kisala, Wakiso Giants FC are once again flying high.
After a run of three consecutive defeats, the Purple Sharks have now won two of their last three games ever since Steven Bengo took over at the helm.
On Tuesday afternoon, Bengo did his magic once again as Wakiso registered their biggest win in the Uganda Premier League, defeating Kyetume 3-0.
After a cagey early encounter, Amos Muwongo opened the scoring for the Purple Sharks, feeding ofd an Ivan Kiwewa assist.
With Kyetume looking like they would gwt back into the game, Bengo introduced Karim Ndugwa in place of Geofrey Sserunkuma and what a stroke of genius that would prove to be.
Ndugwa who alao scored the winner against Busoga United FC on Sunday, made it 2-0 on 77 minutes.
Inside the three added on minutes, Viane Sekajugo put the game to bed with Wakiso third of the day and his second in as many games.
This was Kyetume’s second loss in as many game after losing 7-1 to Onduparaka last Friday.
The Slaughters have now conceded 10 goals in just two games, scoring just once.
They now drop into 9th on the log with 16 points from 13 games.
For Wakiso, they climb into 5th having gathered 19 points from 14 games.
In their next assignments, Kyetume are away to Mbarara City FC while Wakiso visit Maroons FC.
Whereas; Vipers SC maintained their unbeaten start to the 2019/20 season thanks to a hard fought 1-0 victory over URA FC.
After a goalless first half, Dan Sserunkuma poked home the winner with 23 minutes to play.
This is Vipers’ 10th victory of the season and it helps them remain top of the standings with 33 points from 13 game, having drawn the other three.
For URA FC, they drop into 10th with 14 points from 11 matches.
Vipers started brightly as they dominated possession and created several half-chances.
Tito Okello twice shot towards goal but one effort went over while the other was drilled wide.
Allan Kayiwa then forced a good save from James Alitho before Paul Willa headed wide from a Kayiwa cross.
Dan Sserunkuma also saw an effort comfortably saved by Alitho after turning near the URA FC’ area.
Willa sent in a low cross into the URA area but it went begging as no one could provide a telling touch onto it.
On 63 minutes, Vipers took the lead. After a lazy clearance by Alitho, Willa sent another low cross into the area and it was tapped home by Sserunkuma at the back post.
Sserunkuma then played in substitute Innocent Wafula but the Kenyan international shot wide from a promising position.
Alitho kept URA in the game as he tipped over an Okello header from Rahmat Ssenfuka’s free kick.
URA endured a slow start and were on the back foot for most of the early exchanges.
Sensing danger, URA FC head coach Sam Simbwa tried to make a change but the events that followed forced him to change heart.
Birunji whose number had been shown on the fourth official’s board, made two telling contributions forcing would-be substitute Ivan Ntege to retain his spot on the bench.
The former Express FC winger, first threaded a through ball for Saidi Kyeyune but the midfielder shot tamely at Derrick Ochan, then he played in Shafik Kagimu who dragged his effort wide.
Daniel Isiagi missed a glorious opportunity to hand the Tax Collectors the lead as he lashed onto a loose ball but his lobbed effort while one on one with Ochan, brushed off the bar and out for just a goal kick.
With time running out, URA FC resorted to long range shots but both substitute-Joram Sseruyidde and Kyeyune shot weakly at Ochan.
They then thought they had equalized two minutes from time but substitute Cromwel Rwothomio’s goal was ruled out for a questionable offside as Kagimu was judged to have received the ball behind the Vipers last man before squaring it on for the former Paidha Black Angels striker.
Simbwa’s side got one last opportunity to level matters but Aziz Kayondo was on hand to make a goal-line clearance after Joachim Ojera had shot towards goal.
The League resumes on Wednesday with Express FC Vs KCCA FC at Ssekaka Kyabaggu stadium in Wakiso.
SC Villa Vs Bul FC at 4:00pm .
Police FC Vs Tooro utd @ 4:00pm at Lugogo.
