Express FC drew first blood in the Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 16 first leg tie with a 2-1 win over league table leaders URA FC on Saturday evening at the Betway Muteesa II stadium Wankulukuku.

The visitors took the lead early through forward Ibrahim Dada but goals from Martin Kizza and Erick Kambale sealed URA FC’s fate.

URA FC’s Ibrahim Dada lit up the visiting bench just two minutes into the game when he pounced on captain Shafik Kagimu’s through ball to finish calmly passed Express FC goalkeeper Denis Otim.

The tax collectors’ lead distabillized the home side but they kept their composure until the 17th minute when Godfrey Lwesibawa’s long throw in was headed by Erick Kambale headed wide by Erick Kambale but an incoming Martin Kizza on the far post slotted home to level matters.

URA FC could have doubled their lead in the 31st minute but goalkeeper Denis Otim’s finger tip save denied skipper Shafik Kagimu and both teams headed into the break all sqaure.

Just 2 minutes after re-start, Godfrey Lwesibawa was one on one with Nafian Alionz but chose a half volley instead of a shot, Alionz tipped it over the bar, 10 minutes later Martin Kizza pounced on Benjamin Nyakojo’s poor ball control but skied his effort but it was only a matter of time.

The moment of truth came in the 64th minute when left back Sadiq Ssekyembe curled in a corner which found an unmarked Erick Kambale who slotted home to make it 2-1 and send the home fans into wild celebrations.

URA FC launched several attacks at 2-1 down but the hosts contained the situation.

The win means Express FC have beaten the tax collectors thrice on the bounce across all competitions.

REACTIONS.

Wasswa Bossa – Head Coach.

“We’ve managed a 2-1 win today but it doesn’t mean this is all over, we have a return leg, we have a few days but we’re going back to correct our mistakes, generally the boys concentrated and earned the win”.

Walusimbi Enock – Defender/ Skipper.

“We’ve managed to win because we concentrated, the early goal distabillized us abit but the boys showed a lot of mental strength but the job is not done yet, we’re going back to correct our mistakes and we shall get the result we need”.

The win means Express FC now take a 2-1 lead into the second leg set to take place on 4th May at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje.

Express Starting Xi: Denis Otim (GK), Denis Mubuya, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Enock Walusimbi (C), Murushid Juuko, Mahad Yaya Kakooza (Ivan Mayanja 60’), John Byamukama, Charles Musiige (Frank Kalanda 63’), Erick Kambale, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Martin Kizza (Ibrahim Kayiwa 74’).

Unused Substitutes: Cryspus Kusiima, Richard Bbosa, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Daniel Shabene.

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