Lugazi FC got off to a winning start in the new format of the Uganda premier league as they were victorious at the Lugazi FC Stadium with a 3-1 victory against rookies Calvary FC on Friday.
Beautiful strikes from Paul Wasswa, Sharif Saaka and Ashiraf Mulindi lifted the Leaders from a goal down to beat the visitors for the sixth time on the bounce, and in as many meetings since January 2023. This was however their first clash in the Uganda premier league and the result has placed Lugazi FC at the top of the 16 team log with three points.
On a chilly evening which saw David Bagoole, Amos Etoju and Dauson Mafumu handed their competitive debuts, Calvary FC had taken an 11th minute lead through Simon Peter Odeke whose deflected effort beat goalkeeper Juma Mutebi at the near post.
Lugazi FC though deservedly levelled seven minutes later thanks to Paul Wasswa’s close range beautiful half volley with his right boot off Sharif Saaka’s headed assist.
The Leaders then turned up the heat with Saaka dispatching a ferocious 39th minute shot from inside the box to fire us ahead before the break.
And then the victory was sealed eleven minutes from time when Mulindi, who was also making his competitive debut, wove through the Calvary defence to slot home and seal a precious three points.
With a goal and an assist, Sharif Saaka was named the official man of the match by the designated technical officer Diego Hamis Kizza. But the fans selected David Bagoole as their man of the match.
Kick-off had been preceded by a heavy downpour in the forest and its surrounding villages.
With Bagoole and youngster Abdul Kalanzi starting together in the midfield, there was an extra frisson of excitement and anticipation once the action got underway.
The visitors however temporarily interrupted the script when they took the lead against the run of play through Odeke who raced into box via the left inside channel before ghosting away from Wasswa, and effortlessly drilling into the net with his right foot.
Ssajjabi Juma came close to equalizing for the Leaders from a free kick at the edge of the box. His effort was turned behind by Calvary’s goalkeeper Hadji Shukuru with a slight touch.
Abdul Kalanzi swung in the resultant corner with Shukuru punching the ball into the path of Saaka who nodded back for Wasswa to volley in the leveller.
Francis Mugerwa and Steven Bogere’s troops continued to come roaring out of the blocks and Ssajjabi delivered well another corner from the right. Shukuru again made a touch on the ball but Saaka was well placed to pick up the spills as he drove away from his marker to dispatch a hard shot into the net to spark wild celebrations in the forest.
The Leaders picked up from where they had stopped after the restart. Bagoole and Kalanzi finally clicked well and menaced Calvary throughout the second half with their excellent combination play, quick feet and neat passing prowess.
They both had good efforts at goal but it seemed it wasn’t their day to be on the score sheet.
With the team in total control of the game, there arrived another brilliant piece of play and one that sealed the victory.
Substitute Freedom Mungudit who had replaced Amos Etoju in the first half robbed Calvary of the ball and fed it to Ashiraf Mulindi who opened his Lugazi FC account with a brilliant finish. It was a job well-done.
Alfred Leku and Edrine Owachgiu also made their competitive debuts on Friday.
Lugazi FC will next be in action on October 1, 2025 away to another newly promoted side – Entebbe UPPC FC.
Starting line-up:
Mutebi Juma (GK), Paul Wasswa, Rogers Atube, Richard Ayiko, Dauson Mafumu, Amos Etoju (Freedom Mungudit), Juma Ssajjabi (Ashiraf Mulindi 46’), Abdul Kalanzi, Sharif Saaka (Edrine Owachgiu 90+3), David Bagoole, Moses Buga (Alfred Leku 64’).
Unused Substitutes:
Igama Allan Batali (GK), Norman Brown, Joseph Othieno, Yusuf Mafabi, Derrick Mwanje.
