WESTERN REGIONAL LEAGUE: Volcanoes beat Rwenshama to extend chase for unbeaten record
Derrick Akampurira
SC Volcanoes secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over Rwenshama FC after a late strike from Ogwang Emmanuel earned the table leaders three points and pushed them to 49 points on the league table .
SC Volcanoes arrived at the venue at around 3:30pm while Rwenshama FC arrived shortly before kickoff at 3:50pm. From the opening whistle, Volcanoes launched relentless attacks, creating several chances within the first ten minutes though they failed to convert them into goals.
Rwenshama FC struggled to contain the pressure as the league leaders dominated possession with accurate passing, organized buildup play, and dangerous set pieces. Despite the attacking momentum from Volcanoes, Rwenshama defenders remained resilient, repeatedly blocking goal bound efforts to keep the game level.
Volcanoes continued displaying confidence at the back with calm buildup play starting from their goalkeeper and defenders. Their attacking combination play nearly paid off before halftime, but both Sunny wearing shirt number 11 and Muheirwe Devis wearing shirt number 7 missed clear opportunities, ending the first half in a goalless draw.
The second half resumed with Volcanoes maintaining their consistency and pace in attack. Within the opening five minutes, they earned four corners through aggressive wing play and dangerous crosses, but Rwenshama’s goalkeeper stood firm to deny the visitors an opener.
In the 60th minute, Rwenshama FC created one of their most dangerous attacking moves through their shirt numbers 9 and 8, but Volcanoes’ defense reacted quickly to stop the attack before a final shot could be taken.
SC Volcanoes later regained control of the match through disciplined passing and communication across the pitch, In the 76th minute, Muheirwe Devis initiated a move from the left wing before linking up with Mandela in midfield, who slid a decisive pass to Ogwang Emmanuel. The forward calmly found the back of the net to give Volcanoes a hard earned 1-0 lead.
Rwenshama FC refused to surrender despite conceding and continued searching for an equalizer through set pieces and attacking pressure. However, Volcanoes maintained a compact and disciplined defense until the final whistle to secure all three points.
The victory moves SC Volcanoes to 49 points with a goal difference of 40, strengthening their position at the top of the table with already qualification for the Big League playoffs.
Speaking after the match, Rwenshama FC head coach Mumbere Joseph praised his players for their performance against the league leaders despite the defeat. He noted that the team had gained valuable experience and remains determined to fight for survival in the league.
He added that the club is already planning for next season with hopes of strengthening the squad in pursuit of Big League playoff promotion.
Meanwhile, SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Brian Gavi raised concern over the absence of adequate security at the match venue despite the importance of the fixture. He emphasized that league matches should always be properly organized with security arrangements in place.
Serumanga also acknowledged that the game was difficult, especially with several key Volcanoes players still sidelined by injuries. He revealed that the team is now preparing for their upcoming clash against Kihihi Young Boys at Mashaka, expressing confidence that several injured players will return in time for the fixture.
He further stated that with playoff qualification already secured, the team’s main focus has now shifted toward the highly anticipated Big League playoffs, where they are expected to face a team from the Kitara region.