Maroons 1-2 Express
Express maintained their title hopes by beating relegation-bound Maroons 2-1 at Luzira Ground on Friday to move third on the log.
Ibrahim Kayiwa and Vincent Kayizzi ensured the Red Eagles’ victory while Patrick Kaddu netted Maroons consolation.
Victory for coach Wasswa Bbosa’s side moves them to within nine points of leaders KCCA, who stand at 51 on the Azam Uganda Premier League (UPL) table.
The six-time champions, Express, will, however, believe they can push the leaders more having played one match less than KCCA’s 25.
Express showed their intent early, taking the lead through Kayiwa, who was at the end of a Tony Odur lofted-in pass before unleashing a shot past Emmanuel Akol, in for suspended Jamal Malyamungu, on six minutes.
The hosts, who remain bottom of the log with 16 points, were looking for only their fourth win in 26 matches.
And they had to do something here to keep their hopes alive. They pushed the visitors, with Peter Otai and Kaddu making inroads upfront.
They got their reward on 28 minutes when an Express player succumbed to pressure and handled in the penalty box.
Kaddu stepped forward and levelled the scores from the spot and take coach Paddy Kintu’s side to the break with something to build on in the second half.
But Akol in Maroons goal returned with different ideas.
Express attacked almost immediately after recess, Kayizzi drifting in from the left before lifting in a less weighted ball.
Rather than hold it comfortably, Akol opened his palms to receive it, only for the ball to go right through them for Express’ second on 47 minutes.
Maroons, thereafter, attacked more and made more scoring opportunities but we’re let down by application in crucial areas.
But Express held on, including having Maxwel Okello’s header off a corner cleared off the line at the death.