By: David Gombe
It required a magical moment and a piece of sheer brilliance from David Ndihabwe for Express to break a resilient Mbarara City in the fight to beat the drop.
The first half ended in a barren stalemate with neither side forcing a save from both goalkeepers.
Enter the second, Shafiq Bisaso introduced on Joseph Semujju for Mubarak Nsubuga in the 46th minute.
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Five minutes after his introduction, Express were awarded a penalty following an Asuman Alishe handball in the forbidden area. Semujju took responsibility only to see his spot saved by Mbarara City custodian Ali Kimera.
Moments later the visitors nearly found the lead when Bebe Ssegujja’s effort outside the box kissed the top of the bar. Players Oriti Ibrahim, Eddie Mubiru and Abdul Karim Kasule all had numerous chances only failing to get the ball past Express goalkeeper Godwin Buule.
With the game heading towards a goalless draw, Express tactician tossed a special dice that changed the tide of the game by introducing on David Ndihabwe for Alfred Leku.
The Ankole lions were made to pay for their lack of a cutting edge in the 71st minute when Davis Mayanja fed David Ndihabwe who had just came on to strike from a volley sending the Wankulukuku faithfuls into a frenzy.
The visitors made the following changes with Abdul Karim Kasule, Siraj Musindo and Kalanzi Fred coming on for Ibrahim Oriti, Eddie Mubiru and Bebe Ssegujja. Express also introduced on Ssebaduka Juma for Kisujju Isaac.
Mbarara City trio of Hilary Mukundane, Eddie Mubiru and Siraj Musindo all were booked for reckless play.
Despite victory today Express stays in the bottom three with 22 points and one separating them from safety. This was also the Wankulukuku outfit 6th win of the season.
Following defeat today, Mbarara City remain 12th on the AUPL table with 23 points and only one point above the drop zone.
Express will next host UPDF at Wankulukuku on Tuesday 17th April 2018 while Mbarara City will also be hosting BUL FC on the same day.
Other results
Bright Stars 2-2 Soana
Villa 1-0 Police
Express 1-0 Mbarara City
Masavu 1-1 Proline
BUL FC 0-0 Vipers
URA 2-0 Kirinya Jinja SS
