League and CECAFA Kagame Cup champions Express FC picked up a point in the 1-1 draw away to Onduparaka FC on Tuesday afternoon at the Ababet Green light stadium in Arua in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

Winger Godfrey Lwesibawa and Onduparaka forward/captain Mohammed Shaban scored for their either side in the first half.

The Caterpillars started off well with skipper Shaban Mohammed pouncing on a lose ball spilled by Express FC goalkeeper Denis Otim off an Oketch Emmanuel shot to slot home and give the hosts the lead on 9 minutes.

Wasswa Bbosa then made an early first change, taking off John Byamukama for hard tackling midfielder Enock Ssebagala and the move seemed to pay off with the visitors controlling the midfield more which also allowed them to go forward.

The Red Eagles were back in the big time 18 minutes later with Issa Lumu’s long ball into the box landing on Erick Kambale’s head after rising highest before directing his header towards Godfrey Lwesibawa who calmly chest controlled the ball before unleashing a left foot strike past Mathias Muwanga to send the away bench into wild celebrations, both teams went into the break level.

After recess, the Caterpillars kept their foot on the pedal but the visitors kept containing all the threats and just when Express FC felt like it was the right time to go all out, Enock Ssebagala picked up a second booking and was sent for an early shower with four minutes left on the clock, Wasswa Bbosa’s charges though managed to see out the game and share the spoils.

REACTIONS.

WASSWA BBOSA – HEAD COACH.

“We came to Arua with the hope of picking up maximum points but we’ve managed a point which I think is ok, we had up to 8 first team players out today so getting a point is surely a positive, we’re going back to plan better for our next game (at home Vs Mbarara City FC), also all our injured players will be back”.

GODFREY LWESIBAWA – WINGER.

“I am happy to be back on the score sheet and I think it’s good that we got a point, it’s good on our part so we’re now going back to prepare better and be ready for our next home game (Vs Mbarara City FC). We’ve worked as team today and I am positive we shall keep the spirit to return to winning ways”.

The draw takes Express FC to sixth spot on 12 points after eight match days played. Next up for the Red Eagles in exactly 7 days is a home game against Mbarara City FC.

Express Starting Eleven: Denis Otim, Deus Bukenya (Denis Mubuya 70′), Arthur Kiggundu, Enock Walusimbi, Issa Lumu, John Byamukama (Enock Ssebagala 18′), Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Godfrey Lwesibawa  (Mustapha Kiragga 70′), Raymond Walugembe  (Joseph Akandwanaho 57′), Erick Kambale, Charles Musiige.

Unused Substitutes: Joel Mutakubwa, Richard Bbosa, Sadiq Ssekyembe.