By 
Kigezi HomeBoyz FC claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mbarara City FC in the Western Derby on Friday, with Mike Walaga striking in the 93rd minute to secure all three points at Rwamwanja Stadium.
The hosts looked to make their home advantage count from the opening stages, although both sides struggled to find a breakthrough in a closely contested first half.
Kigezi threatened in the fifth minute when Dominic Abonga got behind the Mbarara defence, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag for offside. Joseph Jjemba then tested the visitors with a long-range effort in the 15th minute, but his attempt was blocked.
Mbarara also created opportunities. Clinton Komugisha volleyed over the crossbar in the 13th minute after being picked out by Gabriel Eragu, while Muhammed Kanyike headed wide from an Ivan Bogere delivery two minutes later. Ian Amanya also had an effort comfortably gathered by the Kigezi goalkeeper.
Kemis Rwothomio tested the visitors’ goalkeeper in the 21st minute, while Edrine Opaala came close for the hosts in the 36th minute, sending his effort narrowly over the crossbar.
Neither side could find the net before the break, with the teams heading into half-time level at 0-0.
Kigezi returned with greater purpose after the restart and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Joseph Jjemba found the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Mbarara pushed forward in search of an equaliser as the game entered its closing stages. Mike Walaga had an opportunity to extend Kigezi’s advantage in the 85th minute but fired narrowly wide.
The visitors eventually found their breakthrough two minutes later, with Brian Ahebwa scoring in the 87th minute to restore parity at 1-1 and set up a tense finish.
Kigezi responded immediately. Substitute Akol Eric Junior saw his effort blocked for a corner in the 88th minute, before Mayanja Osman had a volley inside the box deflected by a Mbarara defender in the 90th minute.
The pressure finally paid off in stoppage time when Walaga found the decisive goal in the 90+3rd minute, sending the home supporters into celebration and sealing a 2-1 victory for Kefa Kisala’s side.
The result lifts Kigezi HomeBoyz to 16th place, third from bottom, with four points from eight matches. Mbarara City remain 14th with eight points from nine outings.
Mbarara will return to action on November 18 when they host Lugazi FC, while Kigezi are scheduled to welcome Express FC the following day, November 19.
