Paul Mucureezi, Azam Uganda Premier League’s assist master, stepped up and scoredas Kampala Capital City Authority laboured to a 1-0 win over Express FC 1-0 at Wankulukuku on Friday.
Mucureezi’s late goal was his third of the season and ensured that KCCA FC picked their first victory in five games to stretch the lead at the top of the table.
KCCA, who have drawn to face FUS Rabat (Morocco), Club Africain (Tunisia) and Rivers United in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup, were missing a host of stars, but there was no disguising a poor display.
“I was glad we got this goal, because without it, things would have been even harder for us, but the most important thing was the three points,” Mucureezi told TheUgandan after the game.
With Timothy Awany suspended for the game and teenage sensation Alan Okello away with Kibuli SS, KCCA Mike Mutebi rotated his squad.
Habib Kavuma and Dennis Rukundo filled the defensive roles alongside Paul Musamali, skipper Denis Okoth and Isaac Muleme while Sulaimon Akinyemi and Robert Ssentongo were the other players that made it to the starting team.
The official match reports showed that the game produced a few scoring efforts with either side playing a cautious game and the few that were made didn’t produce any dividends.
In a bid to continue the quest for a goal, team manager Mutebi called for changes after recess, replacing defender Dennis Rukundo with Derrick Nsibambi while Vincent Kayiizi came on for Geoffrey Sserunkuma.
With the game destined for a stalemate, Paul Mucureezi broke the deadlock in the 84th minute with a sensational effort.
The crafty midfielder received a well laid pass from Derrick Nsibambi before sending a ferocious effort into the roof of the net and goalkeeper Emmanuel Opio had no chance to save.
KCCA FC held on for the reminding minutes of the game to earn all maximum points and register the first league win at Wankulukuku stadium against Express FC since 2011.
The result means KCCA FC now cement the lead at the top of the league, moving to 51 points, two above second placed SC Villa, who drew 2-2 with Police FC.
