A brace from debutant Samuel Semugugu and a goal from Derrick Mwanje gave Lugazi FC a perfect start to the 2023/24 BetPawa FUFA Big League season.

Lugazi secured a 3-0 victory over Ndejje University at Lugazi Stadium on Wednesday.

The Leaders had to wait to showcase their mettle in the FUFA Big League this season, and were even made to wait a little longer for their first game of the season with kickoff delayed by close to 25 minutes.

There was already an electrifying atmosphere before kickoff, courtesy of the club fans who were present in their section, which desite being under development was open to them.

And from the very beginning, there were fireworks on the pitch too.

Ssemugugu thought he had opened his league account for the club, but his goal after 112 seconds was ruled out for offside.

Lugazi took the lead in the sixth minute to heat things up even further, Ssemugugu this time was not to be denied by his opponents nor the flad.

Ssemugugu stole the match on the Ndejje defenders, running onto Savio Kabugo’s long pass and beating both the defender and goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.

It meant that our new shirt 19, became the fastest man to score for the club on his Big League debut.

The home side could have had another moments later, but Moses Buga failed to find the target after working the magic down the right and swinging his left foot.

Ronald Ssempala also thought he had opened his account just like his strike partner, converting Umar Kayemba’s low cross, but he was again denied by the assistant.

Solomon Akodi was the first player to go into the referee’s book for a rush challenge on Ndejje’s Francis Onekalit, as the hosts continued to dictate the tempo of the game.

Head coach William Kyeswa should have demanded for more of the same during his half time team talk, and to keep his side on top, he made a double substitution two minutes after the restart.

Mwanje and Mitala Mubarak were introduced in the 47th minute to replace Umar Kayemba Solomon Akodi respectively.

The duo’s introduction gave Lugazi an extra edge; Mwanje specifically nearly set up Ssempala, but the latter could not keep his effort on target.

Ssemugugu complated his brace with an easy tap in from close range, finishing his rebound after Buga’s intial shot was parried into his path.

It was the end of a sweet afternoon for Ssemugugu who paved way for Shafik Kiryowa, while Samuel Nsubuga replaced Ssempala after 66 minutes.

The final change for Lugazi was Arafat Agonda Baagala replacing Derrick Ochen in the 83rd minute.

At the death of the game, Mwanje eventually got his name on the score sheet, converting from Mitala’s low cross to confirm a dream start to Lugazi.

The Leaders will now turn their focus on an away trip against Calvary FC in Yumbe on October 8, 2023.