Kitara FC showcased their growing momentum in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a dominant 4-0 away victory over Maroons FC at the Prisons Ground in Luzira on Thursday.
Jude Ssemugabi stole the show, netting a brace for the second consecutive game.
Fred Amaku and Ronald Otti were also on the scoresheet as Kitara produced a clinical display to climb to 11th position on the league table with 14 points, five clear of the relegation zone and 14 points behind the league leaders.
The game’s tone was set early as Maroons were caught cold, conceding two goals within the first 12 minutes.
Kitara’s opener came in the 9th minute when defender Benjamin Nyakoojo headed a free-kick back across goal allowing Fred Amaku to nod home past goalkeeper Simon Tamale.
Just two minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage.
A well-delivered in-swinging corner from Kabon Living was met by an unmarked Ronald Otti, who rose highest at the far post to head home, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Things went from bad to worse for Maroons in the 30th minute when Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye unlocked their defensive line with a perfectly timed through ball. Ssemugabi latched onto it, beating the offside trap and slotting past the onrushing Tamale to make it 3-0.
Despite Maroons attempting to regroup in the second half, Kitara remained disciplined in defense and lethal on the counterattack.
Substitute Marvin Nyanzi played a vital role in the final goal of the match. In stoppage time, he sent Ssemugabi through on goal and the forward coolly rounded Tamale before tapping into an empty net to complete the rout with the last kick of the game.
The defeat ended Maroons' mini-revival which had seen them rise to 6th on the log with 16 points.
Lugazi leave it late to salvage point against Mbarara City
At the Mehta Stadium in Lugazi the hosts continued their frustrating run of stalemates, drawing 1-1 with Mbarara City FC.
It marked Lugazi’s fifth consecutive draw in the league, reflecting their struggle to turn performances into wins.
Mbarara City took the lead in the 59th minute with Latif Ssenkubuge finding the back of the net after capitalizing on poor defensive organization by Lugazi.
The visitors appeared on course for all three points as they held on to their lead deep into the second half.
However, with just four minutes left on the clock, Lugazi found a way back. Forward Ali Arshavin Bayo became the hero of the day, scoring a dramatic equalizer to secure a crucial point for the hosts.
The goal was met with wild celebrations from the home fans, who had endured long spells of frustration.
The draw leaves Lugazi and Mbarara City FC in 12th and 13th positions respectively, both precariously hovering above the relegation zone.
For Lugazi, the result extended their unbeaten run, but the inability to convert draws into wins remains a concern.
Kitara’s rise up the table and Lugazi's resilience keep the StarTimes Uganda Premier League narrative engaging as the battle for survival and mid-table dominance intensifies.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Thursday, December 12, 2024 – Full Results
Maroons FC 0-4 Kitara FC
Lugazi FC 1-1 Mbarara City FC
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