KCCA 2-1 JMC Hippos
Champions KCCA started the defence of their Azam Uganda Premier League (UPL) title with a 2-1 victory over JMC Hippos at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Friday to go joint top with Express.
Reigning league MVP Joseph Ochaya and new signing Geoffrey Sserunkuma scored for the hosts while Vianey Ssekajugo grabbed the visitors’ consolation.
On a day eight matches ushered the new season upon us, the victory ensured KCCA and Express, who also saw off Lweza with the same scoreline at Wankulukuku, assumed early table leadership with three points apiece.
KCCA enjoyed a lion’s share of the ball in the first period before JMC came back strong in the first quarter of the second half.
Manager Mike Mutebi’s men could have made their possession count as early as the fourth minute when Paul Muxureezi was put through inside the penalty box but the forward could only shoot meekly at JMC goalkeeper Benon Wagima.
The other end, KCCA goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan was having some holiday, only appearing to collect an occasional tame shot from eventual goal scorer Ssekajugo.
Ochaya got KCCA’s next chance, receiving a ball from the midfield to half-volley with his left from the edge of the area but Wagima was again in his way.
Not on the 20th minute though. His back to goal, Sserunkuma, an acquisition from Lweza, received an inviting pass on the edge of the area.
The striker controlled with one touch and back-heeled it to a goal-bound Mucureezi, whose low shot was first thwarted by the busy JMC goalkeeper.
But Wagima’s stop could only head into an advancing Ochaya’s way, the left-footed full back unleashing a high drive from inside the area that rolled off the inside of the roof net, and in, he wheeled away in celebration.
The game went into the break with coach James Odoch’s JMC still chasing the equaliser. KCCA manager, Mutebi, introduced Hakim Ssenkumba in place injured Mucureezi at the start of the second half before striker Derrick Nsibambi later replaced Sulaimon Akinyemi.
But it is JMC who looked more assured on the ball at this time. And it did not take long before their early second half pressure paid off.
KCCA captain and right back, Denis Okot, switched off to allow Sekajugo to curl in a looping ball past a desperate Ochan in the hosts’ goal to level matters on the hour mark.
But the game did not stay level for long, JMC full back Asuman Bajampoza being outsmarted by Ochaya before KCCA’s first goal scorer turned provider, whipping in a quality cross for Sserunkuma to head past Wagima for the winner.
AZAM UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
OTHER FRIDAY RESULTS
Bul 0-0 Proline
Express 2-1 Lweza,
Kirinya-Jinja 0-0 URA
Police 0-0 SC Villa
Vipers SC 1-1 Bright Stars
Onduparaka 0-0 Soana
The Saints 0-0 Sadolin Paints