MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-2 EXPRESS

It was a frustrating afternoon for BUL FC as the Eastern Giants lost for the seventh time this season, losing 2-1 to ten man Express at FUFA technical centre.

Playing under the unforgiving sun that was scorching everything breathing oxygen, Express scored two goals before the half-time whistle to complete the double over BUL on Wednesday.

Boban Zirintusa opened the scoring for the red eagles, pouncing in a header past Saidi Keni off an Allan Kayiwa corner as early as the 11th minute.

And midway the first half, former Eastern Giant Anwar Ntege capitalized on a defensive mix-up following a set piece situation to sweep home a second for Express.

BUL created little in response as the visitors eased into the break 2-0 up.

After the recess, Simeon Masaba turned to his bench and picked out Julius Baraza and Anthony Mayanja to change fortunes on the pitch, with the latter operating in an advanced position while supporting Martin Aprem in the attack.

With two minutes left to clock the hour mark, the visitors were reduced to ten men when Anwar Ntege was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Richard Ayiko.

The Eastern Giants however failed to benefit from the numerical advantage to tilt the game into our favor as our former goalkeeper Abdul Kimera and his shield kept it tight in the back.

It was instead the visitors who almost scored a third when Zirintusa weaved through the middle but he sent his strike wide while Joseph Akandwanaho also failed to beat Saidi Keni from close range.

Following a couple of further changes, Masaba’s men hit the front foot after the introduction of Paul Ssekulima and Shafik Kwikiriza.

They finally beat Express’ wall and pulled one back in the added five minutes when Arthur Kiggundu scored in his own net.

Focus now turns to the Uganda cup quarter finals scheduled for Wednesday next week against Police at Kavumba.

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Aggrey Madoi (Paul Ssekulima 60′), Richard Wandyaka (Shafiq kwikiriza 75′)Hillary Onek, Pascal Ngobi (Emmanuel Kalyowa 39), George Kasonko, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Julius Baraza 46′), Martin Aprem, Samuel Sekamatte (Anthony Mayanja 46′)

Unused substitutes:

Tom Ikara (GK)
Owen Mukisa