Startimes Uganda Premier League
Friday 2nd February 2024
FULL-TIME Results.
Gaddafi FC 0-1 URA FC
URA FC picked up their first away victory at the start of the Startimes Uganda Premier League second round, defeating Jinja based side Gaddafi FC 0-1 in a thrilling encounter played on Friday at the Gaddafi Arena stadium.
Norman Namanya’s 30th-minute goal, beautifully assisted by Laban Tibiita from the right, proved to be the decisive moment.
A few seconds to the end of the first half, Tibiita could have doubled the lead but saw his snap shot kiss the cross bar before youngster Amis Bwangani was also denied by the home side custodian Sekandi from a rebound.
Custodian Rodgers Omedwa was called to the rescue in the early stages of the game with a brilliant save to deby Baker Buyala who had recieved a pass from David Bagoole.
In the second half, David Obua’s side made changes with the first being a quadruple one, bringing on Hudu Mulikyi, Godfrey Sekibengo, Bruno Bunyaga and Joseph Ssemujju for Joshua Lubwama, Saidi Kyeyune, Norman Namanya and Laban Tibiita before making his fifth change that saw forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe take John Innocent Kisolo’s place.
Ssemujju and Bunyaga both came close to scoring towards the end of the match but were denied by goalkeeper Sekandi and defender Bashir Asiku respectively.
Lubwama, Bangwani and Ssemujju got booked by center referee Shamirah Nabadda in the encounter for fouls on opponents.
The match saw a standout performance from makeshift left-back Vianey Ssekajugo, earning him the well-deserved
Man Of The Match accolade courtesy of Pilsner.
With this victory, URA FC now boasts 23 points from 16 games in 7th place and sets the stage for a home clash against UPDF FC on Tuesday 6th February 2024 at Mehta Stadium, Lugazi.
Following the match, head coach David Obua commended the team’s stellar display in the post-match press conference.
“It’s been a collective effort and I thank my team for that. It’s not by mistake that we have picked this win but it’s rather as a result of the hardwork we have put in and we are going to continue doing so.”
Likewise man of the match Ssekajugo credited team work for the victory.
“I am extremely happy and I must say this man of the match accolade is for the entire team because we worked as a unit from minute one and we shall keep doing the same.”