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Lugazi FC and Express FC settled for a goalless draw at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe on Wednesday evening, with missed chances and impressive goalkeeping denying both sides victory in their Matchday Seven encounter.
The two teams had opportunities to claim maximum points in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League contest, but neither could find the breakthrough in a match that produced an intense second-half battle and late drama.
The result leaves Lugazi in 11th position with eight points, while Express remain 13th on six points.
Express goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya was named Man of the Match after producing crucial saves to frustrate the hosts and secure a valuable away point for the Red Eagles.
Lugazi Waste First-Half Opportunities
Express made the early approach, with Abasi Muluya registering the visitors’ first attempt, although his effort drifted wide.
Lugazi gradually grew into the contest and began putting pressure on the Express defence. The hosts came close to taking the lead in the 17th minute, but goalkeeper Duncan Sseninde was on hand to make a save.
A minute later, Abdul Rashid Kawawa narrowly missed the target after connecting with John Kokas’ delivery into the penalty area as Lugazi continued searching for the opener.
Musa Ssali dictated much of the midfield play for the hosts, earning applause from the home supporters for his influence on the game.
Express, however, remained a threat on the counterattack. Muluya tested the Lugazi defence again in the 42nd minute with a powerful effort, only for a defender to block his shot before the visitors won a corner.
Neither side could capitalise on their opportunities before the break, with the teams heading into halftime locked at 0-0.
Rwothomio Hits the Crossbar
The encounter opened up after the restart, with both sides pushing forward in search of a winning goal.
Lugazi came agonisingly close in the 57th minute when Kawawa delivered a cross for Cromwell Rwothomio. The forward’s header struck the crossbar, and he almost converted the rebound from close range in a frustrating sequence for the home side.
Lugazi responded by introducing Adam Mutesasira for Dickson Matama in the 58th minute as they attempted to turn their pressure into goals.
Louis Amagu Anguti subsequently unleashed a powerful effort that forced Kigonya into an excellent save, further underlining the Express goalkeeper’s importance to the visitors.
The hosts made three additional substitutions in the 64th minute, bringing on Isaac Wagoina, Alpha Thierry Ssali and Isa Glory Kisule for Habert Asiimwe, Steven Yiga and Henry Wamala.
Express were also forced into a change when the injured Nicholas Jjonga made way for Moses Sseruyide in the 70th minute.
Batali Denies Express Before Late Drama
Express nearly snatched the lead in the 74th minute when Duncan Sseninde unleashed a powerful long-range shot. Lugazi goalkeeper Allan Batali reacted sharply to punch the ball away, preventing the visitors from breaking the deadlock.
Lugazi survived the resulting corner and resumed their search for a winner, but Kokas missed another opportunity from close range as the hosts continued to struggle with their finishing.
The contest grew increasingly tense in the closing stages, with Hamza Mulambuzi receiving a yellow card in the 81st minute.
Lugazi made two late substitutions in the second minute of added time, introducing Alvin Burungi and Fahad Jembr for Rwothomio and Kawawa.
The hosts appeared to have secured a dramatic late winner, only for their celebrations to be halted when the goal was ruled out for offside.
The final whistle confirmed a frustrating evening for Lugazi, who created several promising opportunities but failed to convert them into goals. Express, meanwhile, will take encouragement from a hard-earned point, with Kigonya’s outstanding display proving decisive.
BUL End NEC’s Unbeaten Run
Elsewhere in Wednesday’s Uganda Premier League action, BUL FC defeated NEC FC 2-1 to end NEC’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Ronald Madoi and Swabir Mpasa scored for BUL, while Marvin Oshaba found the net for NEC. However, Oshaba’s equaliser was ultimately not enough to prevent his side from suffering defeat.
Following the result, BUL and SC Villa were reported as the only teams yet to lose in the league this season.
Next Fixtures
Lugazi will be looking to return to winning ways in their next outing, while Express prepare to host Kataka FC on Tuesday, October 27.
The Uganda Premier League Matchday Seven programme continues on Thursday, October 22, with three matches scheduled.
- Kigezi Home Boyz vs Entebbe UPPC — Rwamwanja Stadium, Kamwenge (4:00 PM)
- SC Villa vs Mbarara City — Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku (4:00 PM)
- KCCA FC vs UPDF FC — Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo (7:00 PM)
Friday’s action will see Vipers SC host Police FC at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM.
