Thursday February, 2021
•Police FC 2-2 UPDF FC
Police FC came from two goals down to draw with UPDF FC in a Uganda Premier League game held at the Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Thursday.
Second half goals from Juma Balinya and Yusuf Ssozi ensured that Abdallah Mubiru’s charges pick a point.
Andrew Kawooya and Ivan Ahimbisibwe had earlier on put the Visitors ahead before half time.
Kawooya, on loan from KCCA FC, put UPDF ahead in the 10th minute scoring from a direct free kick that left goalkeeper Abdul Kimera rooted on the ground.
With a goal ahead, the Visitors were the better side and it wasn’t a surprise when they scored the second before the interval.
Ahimbisibwe doubled his side’s lead, scoring from the spot after James Begisa was fouled in the forbidden area by Police FC’s Emmanuel Mugume.
The hosts will rue missed chances before the break as they missed a couple to get back into the game. Juma Balinya twice saw his header parried away by UPDF goal keeper Yusuf Wasswa while debutant Frank Kalanda saw his powerful left shot kept out for a corner.
At the restart of the second half, Police came back a more rejuvenated side in a bid to get back into the game.
The introduction of the pair of midfielder Johnson Odongo and forward Marvin Oshaba brought in more life to Police’s attacking force as they started opening up.
And finally in the 57th minute, Balinya pulled one back for the Cops, scoring from a direct free kick to halve the deficit.
There on, Police kept on Knocking on UPDF door in search for an equaliser and they had two chances to score more but Tonny Kiwalazi saw his effort saved for a corner before Juma Balinya sent his free kick just wide.
And in the 70th minute, Ssozi benefited from a well delivered cross from substitute Johnson Odongo to level matters for his side.
In the closing stages, Police FC, despite dominating play, failed to add onto their tally as both sides settled for a point.
The result saw Police move to 17 points but remain in the 11th position after 17 games played.
For UPDF, it was a disappointing outing for Brian Ssenyondo’s men who were ahead by two goals at halftime. They now move to 21 points but remain in the 9 the position after 17 games so far.
What Next- Police FC will be to Bright Stars on Tuesday 15th while UPDF host Vipers SC at Bombo on Friday next week.
Team Lineups
Police FC
ABDUL Kimera 19 (GK), JOSEPH Sentume, Tonny Mawejje, Yusuf Ssozi, Ruben Kimera, Missi Semugera, Emmanuel Mugume, Juma Balinya, Tonny Kiwalazi,George Kiryowa,Frank Kalanda
Substitutes
TOM Ikara (GK, Timothy Muwanguzi, Johnson Odongo, Samuel Kayongo, Muwada Mawejje, FAHAD Kizito, Marvin Oshaba
Head Coach: Abdullah Mubiru
UPDF FC
Wasswa Yusuf GK, Begisa James, Okello Donato, Kasozi Samson, Okawo Jacob, Kawooya Andrew, Adriko Rogers, Wammanah Ibrahim, Yiga Frank, Taban Phillip, Ahimbisibwe Ivan
Substitutes
Bwete Brian, Mugisha Rogers, Omunuk Robert, Salim Huud, Katende Ezekiel, Sabir Yassin, Oyirwoth Daglas
Head Coach: Brian Ssenyondo
Referees
Shamirah Nabadda: Center Referee
Nantabo Lydia : First Assistant
Nkumbi Marex Nakitto : Second Assistant
Murungi Diana : Fourth official
Tomusange Ali : Match Assessor
