Grand reopening, victories for BUL and KCCA

May 2, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

BUL climbs to the top of the UPL table with victory over Vipers

Uganda Premier League

Wednesday results
BUL 1-0 Vipers
KCCA 2-0 SC Villa

Jerome Kirya made history by being the first player to score at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole since it was renovated three years ago. His crucial goal came in a highly anticipated match as BUL FC recorded a 1-0 victory against Vipers SC on Wednesday, propelling them into contention for the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) title.

Kirya, scoring only his third goal of the season with just three games remaining, capitalized on Alex Kitata’s pinpoint cross from the left to beat Vipers goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza.

The goal, which came in the 26th minute, sparked jubilant celebrations not only among BUL fans but also among fans of KCCA and SC Villa, whose teams met later in the final match of the day.

However, it was midfielder Pascal Ngobi who emerged as BUL’s standout player, earning the prestigious Pilsner player of the match title. Ngobi’s exceptional performance on the field demonstrated his skill and determination, contributing significantly to the success of his team. With his commanding presence and deft ball control, Ngobi played a pivotal role in leading BUL to a crucial victory.

This victory marked BUL’s 14th victory in 26 matches, propelling them to the top of the standings with 49 points and only three matches remaining.

Earlier, a brace from Usama Arafat led KCCA FC to victory over SC Villa

Under the illuminated atmosphere of the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, KCCA FC secured a hard-fought victory over arch-rivals SC Villa with a 2-0 win on Wednesday night. It was the first game day at the facility since it was renovated three years ago.

Usama Arafat Kiza’s stellar performance, which earned him the Pilsner Player of the Match title, proved pivotal as he scored a brace with assists from Herbert Achai and Joel Sserunjogi. His collective efforts put the Jogoos at a disadvantage, dealing a blow to their title aspirations.

In the 81st minute, Usama’s opening goal unfolded in front of a near-capacity crowd at Namboole, featuring a remarkable header from an Achai delivery that left Villa goalkeeper Braddy Wokorach immobile, leaving just eight minutes on the clock.

The rising star then completed his brace in the 89th minute, capitalizing on a fascinating series of passes that culminated in a clever decoy from Sserunjogi, allowing Arafat to calmly guide the ball into the net with his left foot.

Arafat commented after the match: “It is the entire team that contributed to the victory. We have an incredible group of players who make the job easier.” Reflecting on his performance, he noted: “In the first minutes I came out from the center of the field, but then I started coming out from the wing and making penetrations, especially in the second half, and it was worth it.”

However, despite Villa’s momentum stalling, KCCA, despite their early season struggles, are still in contention.

With 45 points and four games remaining, Villa, currently in fourth place, simply needs to win its remaining games and hope the teams above it make mistakes to clinch its first league title since 2004.

Meanwhile, KCCA could finish with 54 points if they claim wins in their remaining four matches, a tally that could be enough to secure the title if the teams ahead of them drop points.

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