Mbarara City reignited their survival bid with a crucial 2-1 victory over Express on Tuesday, finally snapping a frustrating winless streak and easing the mounting pressure at Rwamwanja Stadium.
After nine matches without success, the Ankole Lions delivered when it mattered most, showing urgency and resilience to overcome the Red Eagles in a contest that carried heavy relegation implications.
Clinton Kamugisha and Ian Amanya were the heroes on the day, combining effectively to steer the hosts to all three points, while Kenneth Kimera grabbed Express’ lone goal in a lively first half.
Mbarara City, who came into the game hovering just above the relegation zone, wasted no time asserting themselves. Their bright start paid off in the 8th minute when Amanya turned provider, setting up Kamugisha to fire them into an early lead.
However, Express responded quickly, with Kimera restoring parity just seven minutes later to keep the contest finely balanced heading into the break.
The second half saw Mbarara City regain control, and their persistence was rewarded in the 56th minute when Amanya stepped up to score what proved to be the winner.
Express pushed for another equaliser, coming agonisingly close through Henry Wamala, whose effort rattled the woodwork, but luck and momentum favored the hosts.
The victory, though not enough to lift Mbarara City out of 14th place, moves them to 20 points—creating a slightly healthier cushion of five points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining.
For Express, the defeat leaves them stuck in 10th on 30 points, their hopes of climbing further up the table taking another dent.
