Kitara FC suffered a damaging setback in the battle for a top-two finish after surrendering a three-goal deficit in a 3-2 loss to Express FC at Hamz Stadium on Tuesday night.
The result effectively ruled Kitara out of the Uganda Premier League title contest and shifted focus to the increasingly tense fight for second place.
Express produced a ruthless first-half display that stunned the visitors. Mikidad Ssenyonga opened the scoring after linking up well with Vincent Adriko before Kenneth Kimera doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from range.
Henry Wamala then added a third moments later as Express repeatedly exposed gaps in Kitara’s backline to take firm control of the contest.
Despite dominating possession after the break, Kitara struggled to break down a disciplined Express side marshalled by goalkeeper Khassim Hafizi, who pulled off several important saves to frustrate the visitors.
Kitara eventually mounted late pressure and reduced the deficit through Jimmy Kalema’s header in the closing stages after earlier pulling one back before halftime, but Express survived the late scare to seal all three points.
The defeat leaves Kitara stranded on 54 points, seven behind leaders Vipers SC with only two matches remaining, mathematically ending their championship chase.
Attention now turns to rivals KCCA FC, who can strengthen their grip on second place when they face UPDF FC.For Express, the victory lifts them into ninth place on 36 points ahead of upcoming fixtures against Lugazi FC and Vipers.
