Two goals from either half of the game ensured the defending champions KCCA FC started their bid to defend the Azam Uganda Premier League title on a high note with a home win against Jinja Municipal Council in a game played at the Philip Omondi stadium, Lugogo on Friday evening.
A twentieth minute rebounder from Joseph Ochaya after Paul Mucureezi’s failed strike ensured the defending champions took the lead at the Philip Omondi stadium.
The goal was only a relief after the home side’s failure to covert a number of clear-cut chances they had earlier got through Mucureezi and Sulaiman Akinyemi only to be saved by the visitors’ goalie Benon Wagima whereas many went wild and ensuring the game ended one nil at recess.
Vincent Kayizzi in action on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, on the 60 minute mark, pint sized forward Viane Ssekajugo who had on several occasions looked dangerous to KCCA FC’ defence was rewarded with a beautiful curled in kick from the left side of the pitch that caught the home’s goalie out of position before finding the back of the net at Lugogo.
Prodigal sons Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Brian Majwega who were playing their league debut games after returning had a better day for the home side and were influential in KCCA’s efforts to ensure the league title defence.
It was a battle for titans on Friday
Their hard work was paid in the 65th minute when Sserunkuuma rose higher than anyone else on the pitch for a beautiful header after Ochaya’s cross and the goal ensured Jennifer Musisi’s boys bagged all the 3 points on the day.
He went on to be named the man of the match on Friday evening.
Speaking shortly after the game, KCCA assistant coach Morley Byekwaso was full of praises for Sserunkuuma and Majwega’s efforts that ensured his team started the title defence on a high note.
“It is always hard to win the first game and that was exhibited when we struggled in the first half but their experience was key to winning today’s game,”Byekwaso told journalists.
For Geoffrey Sserunkuuma, the desire by the senior players to impress national team coach Milutin Micho ensured he played well and delivered as required by his team.
“I felt it was time I played at the top of my game and I hope it will be the same display in the following games and you never know I might return to the national team,”Sserunkuuma told journalists.