Overview:
KCCA scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat UPDF 2-1 and keep the StarTimes Uganda Premier League title race alive on Wednesday evening, while SC Villa moved into third place with victory over Mbarara City.
Wednesday results
UPDF 1-2 KCCA
Mbarara City 1-3 SC Villa
KCCA left it late to secure a crucial victory over UPDF at the Bombo Barracks, postponing any immediate title celebrations for league leaders and defending champions Vipers SC.
The victory moved KCCA to 58 points, three behind Vipers, who still have two matches remaining against Maroons and Express. KCCA will complete their campaign with fixtures against URA and Mbarara City.
UPDF had looked set for an important result in their fight against relegation after Emmanuel Ochen headed them in front in the 36th minute.
Joseph Janjali delivered a free-kick that Christopher Kamagu flicked on for Ochen to nod past KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa.
KCCA created several opportunities before the break but could not find a breakthrough, with Ivan Ahimbisibwe missing a number of chances from promising positions. Shafik Nana Kwikiriza also fired wide when through on goal.
Substitute Emmanuel Anyama eventually restored parity in the 87th minute, heading in Herbert Achai’s delivery from a short corner routine.
A minute later, KCCA completed the turnaround when UPDF goalkeeper Shamulan Kamya failed to deal with a long ball, allowing substitute Etienne Katenga to score into an empty net.
The defeat leaves UPDF four points above the relegation zone ahead of a crucial meeting with Calvary, who occupy the final relegation place.
Elsewhere, SC Villa registered a 3-1 victory away to Mbarara City to climb above Kitara into third position on the table.
Charles Lwanga scored twice for Villa, who have 55 points. The result left Mbarara City hovering just above the relegation places.