NAMBOOLE: Grand re-opening, wins for BUL and KCCA

BUL surges to summit of UPL table with victory over Vipers

Uganda Premier League

Wednesday Results
BUL 1-0 Vipers
KCCA 2-0 SC Villa

Jerome Kirya made history by being the first player to score at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole since it underwent renovations three years ago. His crucial goal came in a highly anticipated match where BUL FC secured a 1-0 victory against Vipers SC on Wednesday, propelling them into contention for the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) title.

Kirya, scoring only his third goal of the season with just three matches left, capitalized on Alex Kitata’s pinpoint cross from the left to beat Vipers goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza.

The goal, arriving in the 26th minute, ignited jubilant celebrations not only among BUL fans but also among supporters of KCCA and SC Villa, whose teams later clashed in the day’s final game.

However, it was midfielder Pascal Ngobi who emerged as the standout player for BUL, earning the prestigious title of the Pilsner man of the match. Ngobi’s exceptional performance on the field showcased his skill and determination, contributing significantly to his team’s success. With his commanding presence and adept ball control, Ngobi played a pivotal role in guiding BUL to a crucial win.

This victory marked BUL’s 14th win in 26 matches, propelling them to the top of the standings with 49 points and just three matches remaining.

What’s your honest opinion on the recently renovated Namboole stadium #NambooleTestEvents #BulVSC #KCCASCV. pic.twitter.com/Ybj0cP8pKh

— Nicholas Bamulanzeki (@bamulanzeki) May 1, 2024

Earlier, Usama Arafat’s brace led KCCA FC to victory over SC Villa

Beneath the floodlit ambiance of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, KCCA FC secured a hard-fought victory over perennial adversaries SC Villa with a 2-0 triumph on Wednesday evening. It was the first match day at the facility since it underwent renovations three years ago.

Usama Arafat Kiza’s stellar performance, earning him the title of Pilsner Man of the Match, proved pivotal as he netted a commanding brace with assists from Herbert Achai and Joel Sserunjogi. Their collective efforts put the Jogoos on the back foot, dealing a significant blow to their title aspirations.

In the 81st minute, Usama’s inaugural goal unfolded before a near-capacity crowd at Namboole, showcasing a remarkable header from an Achai delivery that rendered Villa goalkeeper Braddy Wokorach immobile, leaving just eight minutes on the clock.

The rising star then completed his brace in the 89th minute, capitalizing on a mesmerizing series of passes that culminated in Sserunjogi’s clever decoy, enabling Arafat to calmly guide the ball into the net with his left foot.

Arafat remarked after the game, “It’s the entire team that contributed to the win. We have an incredible group of players that make the work easy.” Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “In the first few minutes, I was coming through from the midfield, but later I started sticking out to the wing and making penetrations, especially in the second half, and it paid off.”

However, despite Villa’s momentum being halted, KCCA, despite their early season struggles, find themselves still in contention.

With 45 points and four matches remaining, Villa, currently in fourth place, simply need to win their remaining fixtures and hope for slip-ups from the teams above them to clinch their first league title since 2004.

Meanwhile, KCCA could finish on 54 points if they secure victories in all four remaining matches, a tally that could be enough to secure the title if the teams ahead of them drop points.

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