Uganda Revenue Authority Football Club maintained their perfect start under returning head coach Sam Ssimbwa, registering a third consecutive victory after overcoming Kataka FC 4-3 in a thrilling StarTimes Uganda Premier League encounter at BCS Sports Complex in Bukedea on Wednesday evening.
The Tax Collectors demonstrated their attacking quality and determination in an entertaining seven-goal contest, surviving two comebacks from the hosts before substitute Abraham Tusubira struck a late winner to secure maximum points and extend the team’s winning momentum.
URA FC made a blistering start, taking a two-goal advantage inside the opening ten minutes. Youthful forward Denis Kisirikko Luzige opened the scoring in the fourth minute, rising highest to head home Joshua Lubwama’s well-delivered free kick.
Captain Moses Aliro doubled the advantage five minutes later, calmly converting Isma Mugulusi’s cutback to put the visitors firmly in control.
The Tax Collectors had two goals ruled out for offside through Kisirikko and Ronald Otti in the 20th and 22nd minutes respectively.
However, Kataka refused to surrender, with Martin Wambi reducing the deficit in the 38th minute before Ali Ssentamu restored parity just five minutes later to send both sides into the break level at 2-2.
Ssimbwa’s changes make an immediate impact
At the restart, Ssimbwa introduced Nelson Senkatuka and Moses Waiswa for Kisirikko and Elvis Ssekajugo in a bid to regain control of the contest.
The changes quickly paid dividends. In the 57th minute, Waiswa picked out Senkatuka, who produced an impressive bicycle kick inside the penalty area to put URA FC back in front.
The hosts, however, remained determined and drew level for a second time through Richard Lempani, who converted from the penalty spot after Marvin Praise Wambuga was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the box.
With the encounter heading towards a possible stalemate, URA FC made another change in the 82nd minute, bringing on Abraham Tusubira for captain Moses Aliro.
The decisive moment arrived four minutes later. Senkatuka turned provider, setting up Tusubira, who made no mistake with a clinical finish in the 86th minute to hand the Tax Collectors a dramatic 4-3 advantage.
The late strike proved decisive as URA FC held on to claim all three points and complete a memorable evening in Bukedea.
Ssimbwa hails character but demands improvement
Speaking after the encounter, head coach Sam Ssimbwa acknowledged the difficult nature of the contest, praising his players for their resilience while admitting that there were areas requiring attention.
“It was a very difficult game, and credit goes to the boys for the character and fighting spirit they showed throughout. We started well and created opportunities, but we also allowed our opponents back into the game on several occasions. There are mistakes we need to correct, and we shall go back to the drawing board, work on them and continue improving as a team,” Ssimbwa said.
The experienced tactician also emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum built from the team’s recent performances, insisting that the players must remain focused and continue working hard.
Three games, three victories under Ssimbwa
The victory in Bukedea completes a perfect opening three games for Ssimbwa since returning to the URA FC dugout.
The Tax Collectors began his second spell with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UPDF FC before producing another disciplined performance to defeat defending champions Vipers SC by the same scoreline.
Wednesday’s 4-3 triumph over Kataka FC now makes it three consecutive wins from three matches, underlining the positive response and renewed belief within the squad under the experienced coach.
The latest result lifts URA FC to eighth position on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table with 13 points from nine matches, while Kataka FC remain without a league victory, having collected just three points from their opening ten fixtures.
For the Tax Collectors, attention now turns to maintaining this winning momentum as Ssimbwa and his charges continue their push up the league standings.