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- Full time: KCCA FC 1-0 Kitara FC
- Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League (Match Day 23)
- Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
KCCA FC continued their pursuit of silverware with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kitara FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
On a day where patience was as vital as skill, a moment of pure magic from Joel Sserunjogi was enough to secure all three points, sending the Kasasiro Boys to 48 points and second place on the table.
From the first whistle, KCCA FC showed early intent, stretching the Kitara defense with fluid movement and attacks.
The first real moment of offensive promise arrived in the 26th minute when Lazaro Muhindo, a constant thorn in the side of the visitors, embarked on a blistering run upfront and delivered a teasing ball across the face of the goal, but a lunging Saidi Mayanja was a fraction late, watching the ball flow wide.
As the half wound down, the game turned physical, with Brian Jjara and Kitara’s Jasper Aheebwa seeing yellow for late challenges.
Just as it looked like the sides would head into the tunnel level, the deadlock was shattered in spectacular fashion.
In the 44th minute, Joel Sserunjogi picked up the ball from distance off Saidi Mayanja and unleashed a low, venomous drive that flew past Kitara’s Meddie Kibirige and into the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
1-0 at the break, KCCA with a deserved lead.
The second half saw KCCA FC refusing to sit back, piling on the pressure to find a cushion.
Kitara FC, desperate to restore parity, made the changes by introducing Patrick Kaddu and, later, Edson Agondeze and Emmanuel Wasswa. However, the KCCA backline remained solid.
At the hour mark, the hosts had a chance to double their lead when Isa Lumu hauled down Sammy Ssebaduka. Joel Sserunjogi, looking for his second, stepped up for the resulting free kick, but his effort lacked the accuracy of his earlier strike and sailed wide.
The closing stages were about game management and grit.
As the intensity rose, Kitara’s Muhamad Shaban was cautioned for a foul on the lively Lazaro Muhindo in the 68th minute.
KCCA FC’s Shafik Kwikiriza and goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa were both cautioned.
KCCA nearly put the game to bed in the 78th minute when Kwikiriza danced past his marker and set up Mayanja, but Kibirige produced a fine save to keep Kitara in the game.
A late KCCA FC change saw Peter Magambo introduced in the 90th minute to shore up the defense.
1-0 the final score after full time.
With this win, KCCA FC moves into second place on 48 points.
The Cityzens turn their sights to the shores of Lake Victoria as they prepare to visit Entebbe UPPC in their next league outing on Tuesday, 21st April.
Lineups
KCCA FC
Mugolofa (GK), Lazaro, Achayi ©, Kizito, Obenchan, Sserunjogi, Jjara, Mayanja, Ahimbsibwe, Ssebaduka, Kwikiriza (Magambo)
Kitara FC
Kibirige (GK), Aheebwa ©, Musisi, Tumwesigye, Juuko, Lumu, Sibira, Ssenkaba, Gadafi, Kalema, Kabon.
Man of The Match: Joel Sserunjogi
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