League and CECAFA Kagame Cup Champions Express FC registered a bad day in office on Tuesday afternoon following their 4-3 defeat in the Stanbic Uganda Cup by arch rivals S.C Villa in post match penalties after a goalless draw in 90 minutes allowing the Joogos to progress to the round of 16.

The hosts started well with Joseph Akandwanaho getting the first opportunity in the 11th minute through a freekick after Ivan Mayanja was fouled just outside the 18 yard area but his effort hit the wall and three minutes later Villa were in a similar situation with Ivan Mayanja fouling Amir Kakomo at the edge of the box but Julius Ogwang also smashed his effort in the wall.

Forward Erick Kambale could have scored in the 23rd minute but Villa’s Gavin Kizito defended well and the hosts only settled for a corner which was delt with, Kambale was at it again in the 35th minute with a freekick after Abel Etrude was fouled but his effort was brilliantly saved by Villa’s Martin Ssenkooto and that just about summed up the first period.

The second period saw G.K Chrispus Kusiima sit out most of the game but was called into action in the 75th minute to deny Amir Kakomo who failed to beat him one on one however a minute later on the opposite end, George Senkaaba’s long range drive could have given the hosts the lead but Martin Ssenkooto was on hand to make another great save.

The game ended goalless and went into penalties, Faisal Ssekyanzi and Erick Kambale missed for the Red Eagles while S.C Villa converted all their spot kicks.

REACTIONS.

JAMES ODOCH – INTERIM MANAGER.

“I thought we did well today, we did everything but we didn’t convert our chances and that cost us. We wanted to go on and win this competition but I we were unlucky today, we now need to go back and work on converting our chances so that we can win our next game (away to Mbarara City FC) on Friday”.

The Red Eagles will now hope to earn their first win in eight games across all competitions against Mbarara City FC away.