By Lubulwa Edrine
Maroons secures their second consecutive victory against Mbale Heroes with a narrow 1-0 victory at Luzira maximum prison this evening.
Former Express FC forward Ivan Mayanja scored Maroons only goal to keep an edge on Mbale Heroes.
The point arrived in the 10th minute when Ivan Asaba seized on a defensive miscommunication, leading to a penalty after he was brought down in the box. Mayanja stepped up and calmly converted, giving Maroons an early lead.
Baden Mujahid Ogama came close to scoring within the first five minutes, only to be ruled offside. The visitors tested Maroons’ goalkeeper, Simon Tamale, in the 8th minute, but he effortlessly collected their shot.
Maroons continued to press, with notable chances including a combination play initiated by Felix Okot in the 22nd minute, which ended with a corner kick but yielded no good.
The second half saw Maroons determined to hold onto their lead. Coach Muhamed Senfuma made strategic substitutions in the 50th minute, bringing on Jackson Nunda and Godwin Kitagenda. Their introduction injected fresh energy into the squad, enhancing their attacking play.
In the 57th minute, Asaba’s pass to Ogama resulted into a shot that went wide. A booking for Felix Okot in the 63rd minute added to the match’s intensity. The visitors’ attempt to equalize in the 71st minute was thwarted by an offside call, and their goal was disallowed.
The result takes Maroons to 5th with 22 points while it leaves Mbale Heroes in bottom half with 9 points, level with Bright Stars but with a worse goal difference of -18.
Maroons now shift focus to their last fixture of first round, a short trip to Kitende on Monday, January 6th as they face Vipers SC at 7:00 PM while Mbale Heroes two days will host NEC
Starting Lineups:
Mbale Heroes: Delton Oyo (GK), Davis Ssekajja (C), Adrian Sserugo, Samson Kasozi, Isaac Ofoyrwoth, David Kakeeto, Andrew Kawooya, Ceasor Olega, Jeremy Matata, Abudul Malik Bironse, Edgar William Katumba.
Maroons:Simon Tamale (GK), Edward Kabona (C), Nicholas Kigozi, Borris Onegi, Denis Rukundo, Ivan Asaba, Felix Okot, Brian Nkuubi, Ivan Mayanja, Baden Mujahid Ogama, Rogers Kiwanuka.
