Monday, September 25
*Police FC 2-1 Young Elephant
Police FC scored a late winner as they came from behind to overcome resilient Young Elephant 2-1 in their FUFA Big League opener at the Kavumba Recreation Ground.
Second half goals from substitutes Denis Kalanzi and Brian Omedi cancelled out a first half header from Oola Jimmy.
Simon Mugerwa’s charges who are favourites for Uganda Premier League promotion, had to do it the hard way after minnows Young Elephant put up a great fight.
Police who finished fourth with 54 points to fail on their top flight promotion last season, struggled against a Young Elephant side who were promoted to the Second division after overcoming Kochi Urban in the playoffs final.
The Visitors had their dominance rewarded with a goal in the 20th minute through Academy graduate Oola.
They capitalized on poor defending by the hosts after Gadafi Kacancu header went straight to Musema Majid who got rid of Allan Bukenya to deliver a nice cross in the box only for Oola to power a bullet header past the Goalkeeper after Captain Joseph Ssentume misjudged the flight of the ball.
Musema could have doubled the debutants lead but his low effort was cleared off the line by Police FC defender Jakony Daniel.
On the other side, Reagan Male who was the only lively player for the hosts, used his pace and quick feet on the wing but the visitors defence was too composed and organized to tame his threats.
In the second half, Police made some changes with Kalanzi Denis and Tonny Kiwalazi coming in for Kabuye Steven and Kacancu.
And they had an instant impact for the hosts in the 63rd minute.
Kiwalazi’ cross was met by Kalanzi whose initial header was saved by the impressive Goalkeeper only to pounce off from the rebound to restore parity.
It was all Police FC in the second stanza but the Goalkeeper Shaban Muhammad stood tall to tentatively keep his side in the game.
He stopped a header from Isaac Ogwang before a one-on-one save to deny Kiwalazi.
The hosts finally found the winner they have been craving for in the 91st minute.
Substitute Obedi header from Goalkeeper Mutebi Davis gave the hosts maximum points to break the hearts of the tireless visitors.
What Next
Police FC will take on Jinja North United on Saturday 30th at the Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe while Young Elephant will host Calvary FC at Anaka P/S ground in Nwoya on Sunday 1st October.
How they started
Police FC XI: Davis Mutebi (GK), Joseph Ssentume, Allan Bukenya, Jakony Daniel, Timothy Muwanguzi, Samuel Kayongo, George Kiryowa, Steven Kabuye, Gadafi Kacancu, Reagan Male, Emmanuel Mugume.
Young Elephant XI: Shaban Muhammad (GK), Kidega Stephen, Ogenrworh Haward, Oola Jimmy, ojara Jacob, Odong Andrew, Makayi Brian, Odong Brian, Opiyo Sadam, Akemkwene Giffy, Musema Majid. Mugume.
