Lugazi FC was defeated 1-0 by UPDF FC in a Uganda premier league clash at the Bombo barracks military ground on Thursday.

The game saw an even but frantic start, with both sides trying to earn a foothold in the early goings of the game.

As the game progressed, Lugazi FC dictated the proceedings of the contest although the first half ended barren. UPDF got the winner through Samson Kigozi in the second half with fourteen minutes left on the clock. The Leaders had hit the woodwork twice before they fell behind.

UPDF FC worked out an opportunity in the early exchanges and almost shot themselves ahead on two minutes. A good team move ended with Rashid Farid sweeping wide after being played through on goal.

Two minutes later, Sharif Saaka was denied by the foot of the left post before Sam Ssemugugu saw his header from inside the box stopped by Yusuf Wasswa in the hosts’ goal.

Lugazi FC continued to enjoy more forays forward in the latter stages of the first half. Emmanuel Obua called Wasswa into action from a free kick after Aggrey Kirya fouled Moses Buga at the edge of the box.

Fahad Emuran then produced heroics to deny Samson Kirya with a superb palm save as he also denied Frank Mugisa on the stroke of halftime to keep the scoreline 0-0 at the break.

The second half followed the same script, as the teams tried to bring menace up front and fashion a breakthrough.

Ssemugugu was flagged offside after being released by Ian Amanya.

Six minutes after the restart, Rashid Farid missed a sitter again when he failed to connect well with Christopher Kamagu’s teasing cross into our area.

They finally took the lead on 76 minutes when Samson Kigozi capitalized on a defensive mix up to slot home.  Emmanuel Obua tried to clear our lines but the ball had already crossed to give UPDF FC the advantage.

Despite all the efforts to force the game level, the hosts remained resilient and walked away with all the three points.

The result means the Leaders remained at the bottom of the table without a point. We welcome Vipers SC to the Lugazi FC Stadium – Najjembe on Thursday next week.

Starting XI:

Fahad Emuran (GK), Muhammad Gift Lubega, Emmanuel Obua, Richard Aiko, Paul Wasswa, Ali Bayo, Nelson Mandela, Ian Amanya, Sharif Saaka, Moses Buga, Sam Ssemugugu.

Substitutes:

Juma Mutebi, Bashir Asiku, Derrick Mwanje,  Akram Massa,  Freedom Mungudit,  Alvin Birungi, Abdul Kalanzi, Bashamu Mugwa, Rogers Adriko.