Express FC booked a spot in the 2021 CECAFA Kagame Cup final after fighting from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Zanzibar’s KMKM on Tuesday evening at the Azam Complex Chamazi in Dar-es-Saalam, Tanzania.

On form midfeilder Muzamiru Mutyaba and forward Erick Kambale scored the goals while Ibrahim Abdullah Hamad got KMKM’s consolation.

KMKM paused more threat at the start, possessing the ball more but failing to make it count in the final third thanks to holding midfeilders John Byamukama and Yaya Mahad who tirelessly broke down several of KMKM’s offensive attack.

Just when it seemed like both sides were headed to the break all square, holding midfeilder John Byamukama fouled Abdul Rahman Othman on the ark leaving referee Malong Ring with no option but to award a freekick, up stepped Ibrahim Abdullah Hamad whose effort was deflected in goal by Arthur Kiggundu to give the Zanzibari side a 1-0 lead at half time.

After the break, Express FC went all out but they didn’t get lucky until the 56th minute when Richard Jovit handled the ball outside the box, center referee Malong Richard called for a freekick which on-form midfeilder Muzamiru Mutyaba cheekily converted for his third goal of the tournament to make it 1-1.

The game seemed headed to extra time until Is-Haka Said Mwiniyi’s moment of madness in added time when he fouled a charging Martin Kizza in the box leaving the referee with no option but award a penalty. Up stepped Erick Kambale who made no mistake to make 2-1 and score his third of the tournament.

REACTIONS.

Wasswa Bbosa – Head Coach.

We’ve managed to win and reach the Kagame Cup finals, we came from behind to win because they led the game in the first half but we told the boys to focus and concentrate because the referee surely didn’t help matters but also the reason why we’re in the finals is because we play as a unit so now that we’re in the finals our focus is to win the trophy”.

Martin Kizza – Midfeilder.

I want to thank everyone who has supported us all through, we had little time to prepare but we managed to perform, we’ve had to fight hard to reach this level especially today’s game I want to thank the technical team which made us concentrate in the first half, for the second half we remained calm also I am greatful that i helped the team get the important win, I thank everyone for supporting us and i request you to keep it going”.

The Red Eagles will now wait for the winner between Azam FC and Nyasa Big Bullets FC, the final will take place on 14th August 2021 at a venue yet to be confirmed.