Friday, March 31
*Express 4-1 Onduparaka

Express eased past Onduparaka at Wankulukuku to snap a 11-game spell without a win in the league.

Boban Zirintusa missed from the spot early on before finding the opener to set the tone.

Allan Kayiwa scored a double, a panenka and a beautiful freekick into the top corner, and turned provider for Marvin Oshaba.

William Gama scored late from the spot, the third penalty in the game, but it proved not enough to stop James Odoch’s side whose last win had come against Busoga United in November last year.

In an eventful affair, Zirintusa had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, and in the second stanza, the Red Eagles had to play with a man down for over 30 minutes after Derrick Ngoobi was sent off with the game at 1-0.

The victory, fifth for Express after 19 games, sends Express to 22 points while Onduparaka remain rooted rock bottom with just 10 points to show.

Express Complete Double Over Onduparaka

Prior to Friday’s clash, Onduparaka had enjoyed success at Wankulukuku.

The Caterpillars had picked four victories in their six visits at Express including a 2-0 win last season at the venue.

And with Express FC’s poor form, it was hard to see Express stamping their authority on Onduparaka who are desperate to survive the drop.

The Red Eagles were awarded a penalty just after 10 minutes when Davis Mayanja blocked Enock Ssebagala’s cross with his hand.

But Goalkeeper Anthony Mathias Okello dived to left to keep out Zirintusa’s penalty.

Zirintusa later made amends when he was in the right place at the right time to head in at near post.

Zirintusa continued to trouble Onduparaka defence and almost doubled the lead only for his header to rattle onto the crossbar.

Arthur Kiggundu also had a good chance to find the back of the net but his powerful header went an inch over.

In the second half, Onduparaka were handed a boost after a wild behavior from Derrick Ngoobi who was sent off for a poor challenge on William Gama.

Ngoobi could have survived a sent-off, but his ensuing retaliation on his opponent who was already down nursing the wounds, sparked Referee Richard Kimbowa to issue out a red.

But Steven Bogere’s side proved not to be up to the task, and Express later got the second through Allan Kayiwa.

Kayiwa, after he was brought down for the referee to point to the spot, converted with a beautiful panenka to double the advantage.

The Winger, who wore the captain’s armband ahead of Isa Lumu, was later brought down just outside the box. And he stepped up to fire into the top corner.

Kayiwa later turned provider when he freed Marvin Oshaba who rounded off the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.

Onduparaka brought one back through William Gama who scored from the spot after James Jarieko was brought down by Lumu in the box.

But that was a little too late for Onduparaka to knit a comeback, and eventually suffer a second loss against Express this season. The Red Eagles won 2-1 in Bombo in the first round.

What Next – Express visit BUL on April 8 at Njeru while Onduparaka’s next game will also be against BUL on April 4.

Players Used

Express – Abdul Kimera, Derrick Ngoobi, Arthur Kiggundu, Issa Lumu, Enock Ssebagala, Andrew Kaggwa, Isma Kawawulo, Boban Zirintusa, Allan Kayiwa, Anwar Ntege, Faisal Ssekyanzi

Onduparaka – Anthony Mathias Okello, Morris Lugya, Rashid Okocha, William Gama, Tony Odur, Bernard Ndifuna, Rashid Yakin, Nathan Oloro, Ivan Ssekaza, Denis Ojara, Ivan Mayanja