KCCA FC climbed to the summit of the Uganda Premier League after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Mbarara City in a tense encounter at the Rwamwanja Stadium on today.
The Kasasiro Boys, who came into the game knowing a win would push them above the chasing pack, delivered when it mattered though they were made to sweat for all three points. The result lifts KCCA to 17 points, while struggling Mbarara City remain second from bottom on 5 points.
KCCA drew first blood in the 16th minute when Herbert Achayi rose highest to head home from a pin-point Joel Sserunjogi corner. But the home side hit back 10 minutes later through Muhammad Kanyike, who beat his marker before finishing calmly past goalkeeper Charles Lukwago after good work from Gaddafi Kacancu.
The sides went into the break level at 1-1, and the tension only grew when the second half kicked off.
Five minutes after the restart, Achayi was involved again this time turning provider. His beautifully weighted cross found Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who directed a firm header into the back of the net to restore KCCA’s advantage.
Mbarara City pushed for an equaliser, making multiple substitutions and testing the Kasasiro defence, but KCCA held firm. A brief scare came in the 60th minute when a powerful free kick struck Fillbert Obenchan on the head, forcing medical attention, but he recovered and continued.
The visitors managed the closing stages professionally, slowing the tempo and making late changes to see out the game. After four minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed a vital win for the 13-time champions.
What a fantastic display of resilience from KCCA! They really earned that victory, great work team.