Obenchan header keeps KCCA focusing on league silverware

KAMPALA- KCCA manager Mike Mutebi spoke assuredly about his side’s chances of claiming all three points against visiting Mbarara City in their opening StatTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) second round game at Lugogo yesterday.

And while they were not entirely convincing, they still did enough to back his prediction claiming a 1-0 win, the first in six attempts against Mbarara, that moves them to within one point of leaders Vipers.

The lead up to the game had been dominated by the absence of want-away pair Allan Okello and Mustafa Kizza but who reportedly missing according to Mutebi because of illness and a groin problem.

And the starting team did little to help the club fans forget about their absence in the opening half in which Mbarara pressed aggressively and KCCA looked to catch them on the break as the first half ended goalless.

Wasteful Ssekisambu
Forward Erisa Sekisambu, one of the team’s best players as the first round climaxed, was particularly wasteful seeing an effort saved by goalkeeper Muhammad Sekeba before side footing another one on one opportunity wide. The mood however changed six minutes into the second half when Herbert Achai who started in Kizza’s left back slot curled in a corner synonymous with the latter.

Filbert Obenchan, on as a halftime substitute nodded in at the far post to hand KCCA the lead that they never looked relinquishing with Mbarara’s attack of Brian Ahebwa, Ibrahim Orit and Makueth Wol rarely threatened.

Instead it was the champions who could have stretched their lead with Sekisambu heading wastefully wide while Muzamir Mutyaba saw his freekick rattle the crossbar.

Consolidating second
The result now consolidates KCCA’s position on the log as they stretched their advantage over third placed Bul to six points.

More importantly however their tally of 35 points is one less than leaders Vipers who play their opening second round game tomorrow at home against Kyetume. Mbarara meanwhile stay in eighth position with 19 points after 15 games. Tomorrow will be the next Match Day with two games.

UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
YESTERDAY’S RESULT
KCCA 1-0 Mbarara City,
Friday
Vipers vs. Kyetume,
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende 4:30pm
Maroons vs. Proline,
Luzira Prisons, 4:30pm
Saturday
Bright Stars vs. BUL,
Kavumba Recreation Centre, 4pm
Wakiso Giants vs. Police,
Kabaka Kyabaggu Wakisha, 4pm

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