The Red Eagles may have succumbed to a 2-0 loss to Vipers at Kitende but there was plenty of positives to talk about.

Here are the five things we noticed

Sadiq Ssekyembe made his debut

The youngster joined the Red Eagles in January from Kampala region side Katwe United. He played the second half of the game after replacing Shafiq Kakeeto. He never looked out of place and his performance satisfied his coaches on his first ever UPL outing and against such a tough opponent.
According to Coach Sim’s assessment after the game he did we defending and going forward to help the attack as well as switching play. Many opportunities may be on the horizon for the young lad.

Another run out for Joel Male

Like Sadiq, Male also joined the club from Katwe United at the beginning of the season he has gotten a few chances to play and yesterday another one came his way. He started the game against Vipers on the right wing and was substituted at half time to bring on Odur. Playing at such a stage in the Ugandan game adds a lot to the youngster’s confidence and self esteem in his development.

Descent performance despite injuries and Suspension

The Red Eagles played well despite missing a lot of first team players. Disan Galiwango was suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, Arthur Kiggundu was out injured and the coach was forced to play Kakeeto in left back. The defender was substituted at the break to bring on Ssekyembe.
Eric Kambale is also still out injured but expected to come back in training very soon as well as Charles Musoke who was injured against Ndejje University.
In the game against Vipers Mubaraka Nsubuga was not able to complete the game due to an injury and Charles Lubega was also replaced by Mbidde after sustaining an injury. The Red Eagles finished the game with 10 men due to injuries.

The Red Eagles grew in the game as it progressed

Vipers scored an early goal with only six minutes gone and disorganized the plans of the Red Eagles as the coach said in his post match interview but the Red Eagles held on and kept Vipers to only one goal. Micheal Birungi got a half chance but his effort was saved by Mutombora.
Vipers again got another goal with only five minutes played in the second half to double their lead. The Red Eagles stuck to their game and limited Vipers to only one clear cut chance were Tito Okello sent his header over the bar. The Red Eagles kept passing smartly and got a chance but Tony Odur’s lob went over the bar with only Mutombora to beat in Vipers’ goal.

Revita Express’ man of the match

John Revita was Express’ best performer. The defender covered well Nana who started in left back and when he was changed for Sadiq Ssekyembe Revita continued to do the same on the left side of the defense. He faced Tito Okello on several occasions but the Vipers attacker never beat Johnny at any one time. He was closing him down well and wining goal kicks as well as throw ins without too much pressure. The defender was so tidy and never put a foot wrong in the entire game. Despite being a defender he is a joy to watch.

The Red Eagles will be back in action on Tuesday 5th March at the Betway Mutesa II Stadium against Mbarara City on UPL matchday 23.

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