Mbekeka’s Lugazi beat Express for first win

StarTimes Uganda Premier League Result

Express 0-1 Lugazi

Lugazi and their interim coach Oliver Mbekeka jointly wrote their respective piece of history when they beat Express 1-0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Tuesday.

Sam Ssemugugu scored Lugazi’s winner in the first half as the Eastern side registered their first StarTimes Uganda Premier League victory in six attempts.

And in doing so, their coach, Mbekeka –  interim since Lugazi fired Sadick Sempigi – became the first woman to manage a top-flight team in Uganda.

It was a match of end-to-end action at Nakivubo, with Express’ Sam Ssenyonjo and Lugazi’s Freedom Mungudit both coming close for their sides.

But it is the visitors, Lugazi, who struck the major blow on 26 minutes when Mungudit danced his way past his markers down the right before crossing for Ssemugugu to head in powerfully Lugazi’s winner. 

The forward’s goal was followed by scenic celebrations, with Mbekeka hugging the closest Lugazi player on the touch line. 

 Lugazi held on to claim their first win in the league and move from the bottom of the 16-team table to a place above relegation on five points from six games. 

Express stay fifth on eight points, four behind leaders, NEC, who have played a game fewer. Matchday six continues on Wednesday.