Coach George Ssimwogerere and his team managed their first game as new Express Technical team. Despite losing 1-0 courtesy of a late goal by Muhindo Kambale there was very many positives to build upon going forward.

Below are the five things we noticed.

The fighting Spirit

The boys fought for every ball and never gave up for even a single second despite the team missing a couple of key players. Tony Odur injured, Eric Kambale injured and Michael Birungi suspended made coach George Ssimwogerere start with Mubaraka Nsubuga upfront and the entire team fought for each other and the badge only to fall to a stoppage time winner by BUL FC. They indeed wore their hearts upon their sleeves at a very difficult alien ground.

Muwanga back in the sticks.

The Express number one was back in the sticks and put up a very impressive performance, the calmness in goal and commanding his back line was very encouraging. He was equal to everything thrown at him by the BUL attack mainly by Hamis Tibita and Deogratious Ojok. Even the goal he conceded he saved the first shot but was unlucky it fell to Kambale and scored a late winner. He got his hands on the ball but they weren’t strong enough to help him make a double save to go home with a point and probably man of the match performance.

Arthur Kiggundu left back, Disan Galiwango left sided attack.

Disan played the entire first round in left back while Arthur Kiggundu had shown good signs in central midfield alongside Mutanga, Revita or Kakeeto before getting injured in November. The coaches decided to move Disan forward and Arthur behind him. The two coordinated very well and produced superb performances both in defense and attack. They crossed and took set pieces very well. Disan was never afraid to take on his men while Arthur was going in-front to compliment the attack very well. Exciting times ahead in this new selection.

Mubaraka Nsubuga led the line.

In the absence of Michael Birungi, Tony Odur, Ivan Ocholit and Eric Kambale Coach Ssimwogerere was not scared to give Mubaraka a role to lead the attack. The youngster took it upon the asking and gave the BUL defense a hard time and nearly got a goal after Musoke crossed for him and headed straight to Sebwalunyo. He also took matters in his own hands and was pegged back to earn a free kick which Disan struck well but was saved superbly by Sebwalunyo. He was also linking up well with fellow attackers Joel Male and Disan Galiwango.

Joel Male starts for the first time.

The young star started his first game after joining the Red Eagles from Katwe United. He played on the right hand side of the attack and was replaced by Brian Umony in the 77th minute. He was very comfortable on the ball and gave the BUL defense a very hard time. He had a chance to cross a few balls in the area but unfortunately we couldn’t get the much needed goal. He never looked out of place which is impressive for a boy playing his first start in the top flight.

The next assignment for the Red Eagles is just two days away. They will play relegation threatened Nyamityobora FC at Kakyeeka on Wednesday 13th which may be a tough game considering Nyami are fighting for their lives and are home.

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