Gaddafi Wahab’s nerves of steel from the spot sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Kitara FC over stubborn Mbarara City in a heated Western Derby at the Royals Park in Butema on Friday evening.
The Royals, desperate to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Buhimba United, began with urgency and intent. Their early dominance paid off as Isaac Amutuhaire broke the deadlock in the 10th minute before Jimmy Kalema’s composed finish five minutes later doubled Kitara’s advantage.
However, Mbarara City, who came into the match still chasing their first win of the campaign, refused to roll over. Veteran winger Innocent Wafula halved the deficit midway through the first half, sparking a spirited response from the Ankole Lions.
The visitors’ resilience was tested even further when goalkeeper Fahad Emuran was shown a red card on the hour mark, forcing coach Brian Ssenyondo to reshuffle his side. Yet, remarkably, the ten-man Lions clawed their way back when striker Henry Kitegenyi levelled matters in the 66th minute, silencing the home crowd.
Just when it seemed both sides would share the spoils, Kitara earned a late lifeline after Eddy Ssebandeke was brought down inside the box. Wahab confidently stepped up and converted, sending the Butema faithful into wild celebrations.
The tense finish saw tempers flare, with the referee needing protection as frustrations boiled over from the visitors’ bench.
With the win, Kitara climbed to ninth on four points from three matches, while winless Mbarara City dropped to 12th, their search for a first victory of the season still ongoing.
