Ssenyonjo hat-trick worsens Giants relegation woes

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Monday result

Express 4-1 Wakiso Giants

Samuel Ssenyonjo netted a hat-trick as Express cruised to a commanding 4-1 victory over Wakiso Giants at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Monday night, contributing three of the 15 goals scored on StarTimes Uganda Premier League Matchday 18.

Before kick-off, as in the case in the other seven matches played earlier, a moment of silence was observed in honour of Abubakar Lawal, the Vipers SC Nigerian player who tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances last week.

Once the action began, former KCCA forward Ssenyonjo took center stage, spearheading Express’ dominant display and condemning Wakiso to their ninth defeat of the season. 

Richard Basangwa added another goal for the Red Eagles, while veteran winger Moses Oloya struck a stunning volley for Wakiso’s consolation.

Express’ eighth win of the season propelled them to fifth place with 28 points, overtaking URA in the standings. 

Wakiso Giants, meanwhile, remain third from the bottom on 13 points, just ahead of Soltilo Bright Stars and Mbale Heroes. Vipers continue to lead the league with 43 points.

Match recap

Ssenyonjo opened the scoring in the 14th minute, confidently converting a penalty after Basangwa was brought down by a Wakiso Giants defender.

Wakiso found a way back in the 65th minute when Oloya expertly volleyed home from a right-wing cross, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback. 

  

However, Express quickly regained control, restoring their lead through Basangwa’s near-post finish with 19 minutes left to play.

With the game winding down, Ssenyonjo sealed his hat-trick in style, striking twice late on – first in the 89th minute and again in stoppage time. 

His treble not only secured Express’ emphatic win but also earned him the distinction of scoring the first-ever hat-trick at the newly redeveloped Nakivubo Stadium.