Express FC produced a master class performance, their best so far at the CECAFA Kagame Cup as they thumped Tanzanian giants Young Africans S.C 3-1 on Saturday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar-es-Saalam, Tanzania to reach the semi finals of the club showpiece.

Winger Godfrey Lwesibawa, midfeilder Muzamiru Mutyaba and forward Erick Kambale scored for the Red Eagles while Paul Godfrey’s screamer was Young Africans’ consolation.

The Red Eagles were steadfast from the start, launching unsuccessful attacks but only until the 14th minute when Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa’s goal kick was perfectly brushed forward by Erick Kambale finding a pacey Godfrey Lwesibawa on the left flank who made no mistake with his ferocious left-footed strike to make it 1-0.

The goal settled Express FC’s nerves and they were not about to stop at least before half time, winger Martin Kizza made his way into the box from the right wing and passed to a waiting Muzamiru Mutyaba who shook off two defenders before placing the ball at the far post to double the lead on 35 minutes and head into the break comfortable.

After recess, the Red Eagles kept going hard and again Godfrey Lwesibawa was at it finding space on the right to cross to a waiting Erick Kambale who nodded home to make it 3-0.

Young Africans SC tried to come back into the game with Paul Godfrey scoring a 20-yarder which left Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa red-faced. The win took the Red Eagles to 7 points and made the semi-finals as table leaders.

REACTIONS.

Wasswa Bbosa.

“We have managed to reach the semi-finals, that was our target and I am glad it came to pass. We now need to go and back and correct our mistakes, I am glad our fitness has gotten better so apart from Godfrey Lwesibawa’s suspension the rest are available, we await to know our opponents and we shall prepare better, today we used our chances well so hopefully we keep it up”.

Muzamiru Mutyaba – Midfielder.

”Today’s game was a bit tough, Young Africans are a big team in the region so we gave them respect but not in it’s entirety, we came here to compete as a team the boys played as a unit and that’s why we managed to get the win, individually I thank the almighty God for enabling me perform well, scoring two goals in two games, I was low on my fitness but I am glad I’ve picked up. The boys are ready for the semi-finals”.

Next up for the Red Eagles is a semi-final tie on Tuesday or Wednesday against KMKM SC of Zanzibar.

Express Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Enock Walusimbi (C) (Denis Mubuya 53’), Issa Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Arthur Kigundu, John Byamukama, Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Muzamiru Mutyaba (George Senkaaba 61’), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Charles Musiige 61’), Erick Kambale (Faisal Ssekyanzi 81’), Martin Kizza (Joseph Akandwanaho 61’).

Unused Substitutes: Denis Otim, Chrispus Kusiima, Ivan Mayanja, Daniel Shabene.