The StarTimes Uganda Premier League returns today with the start of the second round following a competitive and eventful first round that delivered goals discipline drama and clear tactical trends across 15 match days.
A total of 270 goals were scored in the opening half of the season averaging 18 goals per match day. Match Day 8 recorded the highest return with 27 goals while Match Day 15 produced the lowest with nine.
Home teams accounted for 168 goals while away sides contributed 102 highlighting a strong home advantage across the league. Second-half goals outnumbered first-half strikes with 133 scored after the break compared to 117 in opening halves. A further 17 goals arrived in extra time while three were recorded as own goals.
Clean sheets stood at 85 overall with home teams registering 48 and away teams managing 37. This underlined the difficulty visiting sides faced in keeping opponents at bay.
Penalties also played a notable role in the first round. A total of 21 spot kicks were awarded with 18 converted and three missed. Match Days 5 9 and 11 each recorded the highest number of penalties with three in total across those rounds.
Discipline remained a defining feature of the competition. Referees issued 371 yellow cards with away teams receiving 204 compared to 167 for home sides. Second halves proved more intense with 218 yellow cards shown after the interval against 117 in first halves. An additional 36 cautions were handed out in extra time. Match Day 13 recorded the highest number of yellow cards with 33.
Red cards were relatively few with only 10 issued across the first round. Away teams accounted for eight dismissals while home sides received two. Three red cards were shown in first halves and five in second halves with one occurring in extra time. Match Day 9 stood out with three red cards.