Sinan RAJUB SENOGA
Striker Sam Ssenyonjo made a dream debut with a second half brace to inspire Express FC to a 2-1 victory over newcomers Mbale Heroes at the Nakivubo Stadium.
Express held the nerves in the final minutes of the game to ensure a hard fought victory over a stubborn Mbale Heroes side.
Coming into the game, both sides named a significant number of debutants in their respective line ups following a busy transfer activity.
Express had a glorious opportunity to take lead through a penalty kick after Ssenyonjo was brought down by Samson Kasozi in the box in the 26th minute but Mustafa Kizza blasted the ball over the cross bar.
Both sides probed for a breakthrough and it was Express who eventually broke the deadlock through Ssenyonjo in the 54th minute.
The former KCCA striker flawlessly tapped in the ball from close range from a brilliant spadework of Alpha Thierry Ssali who had just come off the bench at the start of the second half.
Ssenyonjo doubled the lead with another brilliant finish following Michael Kimera’s header assist in the 84th minute.
Mbale Heroes who are coached by former Express and Uganda Cranes defender Richard Malinga, pushed for a consolation and they got through Davis Ssekajja in the 87th minute.
Ssekajja was unmarked in the box to pull one back following a teasing free kick by Sula Mpanga.
The Mbale based side almost found an equalizer in the final minute of the added four as Pius Kaggwa’s long range effort hit the cross bar.
Express will face Vipers SC in their next match at Kitende on Thursday 19th September while Mbale Heroes will host SC Villa on Saturday 22nd September.
Full Match Day One Results
• KCCA FC 1-0 URA FC
• Lugazi FC 0-3 Kitara
• Wakiso Giants 1-1 Soltilo Bright Stars
• Maroons 1-1 UPDF FC
• NEC FC 3-1 Vipers SC
• Police FC 0-0 BUL FC
• SC Villa 4-2 Mbarara City
• Express FC 2-1 Mbale Heroes
