Express Squander Lead To Lose At Bright Stars

Uganda Premier League
Bright Stars FC 2-1 Express FC
Kavumba Recreation Grounds
Tuesday, April 20

Express FC’s hope of winning a first league title since 2012 suffered a major blow as they lost 2-1 away to Bright Stars at Kavumba.

The Red Eagles who have been in the title race for much of the season will be disappointed by the manner of defeat as they took the lead only to surrender it in the end.

Ibrahim Kayiwa handed Express a first half lead but Samuel Ssekamate who had earlier missed from the spot and Emmanuel Loki responded to see the hosts walk away with all three points.

Kayiwa who has been bothered by injuries all season, scored off a header that bounced off Simon Ssemayange’s foot to put the visitors in the lead.

Wasswa Bbosa’s side never looked comfortable in the lead as Bright Stars asked several questions of them immediately after conceding.

Ssekamate was handed a chance to level matters at the stroke of half time but his effort from a penalty was saved by Mathais Muwanga.

In an attempt to gain control of the game, the Red Eagles sent on the duo of Muzamir Mutyaba and Mustafa Kiragga on the hour mark but the move back fired as Bright Stars came at them more.

The hosts were rewarded for their relentless pressure, on 76 minutes, as they equalised through Ssekamate after he was set-up by Ssemayange.

With four minutes to play, the game was flipped on it’s head by the Stars who netted a second through substitute Emmanuel Loki who headed home Ssemayange’s corner kick.

Despite a late rally by the visitors to steal at least a point, Bright Stars held on to register victory.

It is a disappointing result that ensures Express FC have now not won any of their last three games (D2 L1).

“We lost the game. It is not the result we wanted as we came for a win but we have lost. Said Express custodian Muwanga after the game.

“It is not the end, we are going back on the ground so that we correct our mistakes and make sure we win out next game.

“We are in a league, this is a marathon and i know the teams that are ahead of us will also lose games so we have to just focus on the next game because this one is gone.”

With leaders Vipers SC drawing 0-0 at home to Wakiso Giants on the same day, Express now falls six points off the pace.

For Bright Stars, they climb into 6th with 29 points from 19 games.

In their next fixtures, Express are away to Vipers on Friday while Bright Stars host second-placed URA FC the following day.

How they started

Bright Stars

Simon Tamale (GK), Derrick Ngoobi, Simon Ssemayange, Warren Buule, Andrew Kyambadde, Marvin, Jospeh Janjali, Derrick Kiggundu, Samuel Ssekamate, Methodius Jungu, Joseph Akandwanaho.

Express FC

Muwanga Mathias (GK), Walusimbi Enock, Lumu Isa, Juuko Murushid, Ssekyembe Sadiq, Kakooza Mahad Yaya, Byamukama John, Kayiwa Ibrahim, Musiige Charles, Kambale Eric, Kalanda Frank.

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