UPL: Kimera’s debut strike rescues Express FC

Debutant Kenneth Kimera announced himself in style under the floodlights of Hamz Stadium Nakivubo as his late equaliser earned Express FC a hard-fought 1–1 Uganda Premier League draw against Maroons FC on Wednesday evening.

82′ | KIMERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Boy has arrived with a beautiful finish. But what an assist by Nyanzi Marvin

(🔴🟡) || 1️⃣- 1️⃣#SUPL || #MD18 || #EXPMAR pic.twitter.com/BSiWBVsb7I

— Express FC (@ExpressFCUganda) March 4, 2026

The contest, played as the second fixture of the day, brought matchday 18 to a climax in dramatic fashion, with both sides sharing the spoils after a tense and tactical encounter in Kampala.

The first half was a tight affair, with both teams showing defensive discipline and limiting clear-cut opportunities. Maroons looked compact in their structure, seeking to exploit transitions, while Express attempted to build patiently through midfield but struggled to penetrate a well-organised backline.

Chances were at a premium before the interval, and the sides went into the break locked at 0–0.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when Jackson Nunda capitalised on a moment of hesitation in the Express defence to fire Maroons into the lead. The goal shifted momentum in favour of the visitors, who looked poised to complete a league double over the Red Eagles.

Express, however, responded with urgency, pushing numbers forward in search of a leveller as the clock ticked down.

The equaliser came in the 81st minute through Kenneth Kimera, the young forward on loan from Vipers SC. Latching onto a well-weighted assist from Marvin Nyanzi, Kimera showed composure inside the box to slot home and restore parity.

It was a clinical finish from the debutant, who needed just one clear sight of goal to make an instant impact and salvage a crucial point for the Red Eagles.

The draw means Express have now recorded four consecutive stalemates and are winless in five league outings, their last victory coming in a 3–1 triumph over Buhimba United Saints.

The Red Eagles remain 10th on the log with 19 points as they continue their search for consistency.

For Maroons, it was another solid showing, though they will rue missed opportunities to protect their advantage. Their last league win came in a 3–1 victory over Express on December 17 last year, and they sit just above the Red Eagles on goal difference.