StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Lugazi FC 1-2 Kitara FC
Najjembe
The Royals reignited their campaign with a gritty 1-2 away triumph over Lugazi FC at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe on Saturday evening, extending their unbeaten streak against the hosts. Superb finishes from Patrick Kaddu and substitute Muhammad Shaban sealed a vital three points to propel Kitara into third place temporarily on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table.
From the first whistle, Kitara commanded the tempo. George Senkaaba nearly broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, capitalizing on keeper Allan Batali’s fumble only for Amos Etoju’s heroic block to deny his goal bound strike. Jimmy Kalema threatened again five minutes later, but Batali redeemed himself with a sharp save.
The breakthrough came via talisman Patrick Kaddu, who clinically buried his eighth goal of the season to draw within three strikes of league leader Ivan Ahimbisibwe. Though Kaddu fired wide from distance in the 72nd minute, Kitara’s dominance seemed set to prevail until Lugazi’s John Busolo stunned the visitors with an 82nd minute equalizer, assisted by John Buga.
The pendulum swung decisively in Kitara’s favor when Lugazi skipper Richard Ayiko saw red in the 88th minute for a second bookable offense. Seizing the advantage, substitute Muhammad Shaban delivered a heart stopping winner in stoppage time, slotting home with ice cool precision to break Lugazi’s resolve.
The result lifts Wasswa Bbosa’s men to third temporarily just four points behind leaders Vipers SC. As the Royals faithful celebrate a hard fought double over Lugazi, focus shifts to maintaining momentum in the title race.