KCCA FC leapfrogged Vipers SC from the apex of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table after their narrow 1-0 win against Mbarara City FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
Defender, Herbert Achai’s first half strike was enough for the hosts to pick the all important three points on a sunny Wednesday evening.
Achai broke the deadlock as early as the first minute, his stinging shot being too heavy for goalkeeper Martin Elungat to tame from finding the back of the net.
In the 14th minute, the ‘Kasasiro Boys’ nearly doubled their lead through Brian Majwega but his shot was denied by a good Elungat save.
The visitors threatened through Solomon Okwalinga but his 17th minute shot from about twenty yards was punched for a corner by KCCA custodian Derrick Ochan.
With 26 minutes played, Ochan yet again won the duel between the two, as he brilliantly saved the former’s freekick from hitting the target.
At the half-hour mark, Sadat Anaku controlled and spectacularly shot but Elungat yet again denied the hosts from extending the lead with a fine hand.
At the start of the final 45 minutes, the guests should have grabbed a leveller but Thomas Kakaire missed a golden opportunity when he shoot wide.
As Mbarara continued to probe for their own goal, Kakaire was this time denied by a brilliant and timely block by KCCA defender John Revita.
At 76 minutes, Majwega, after a spirited sprint, shot goal-wards but his effort was denied by Ronald Otti’s block.
KCCA, at the top, are now on 31 points after 13 games, two ahead of second-placed Vipers SC. The former will be guests to URA in their next fixture at the Arena of Visions, Ndejje on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Mbarara are now 12th on the 16 team log and will host Busoga United next at the Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara on Saturday.
How they lined up
KCCA: Derrick Ochan (GK), Denis Iguma, Andrew Kigozi, John Revita, Herbert Achai, Brian Majwega, Hassan Jurua, Ashraf Mugume, Sadat Anaku, Rogers Mato, Brian Aheebwa
Substitutions: Benjamin Ochan(GK), Ibrahim Juma, Yasser Mugerwa, Davis Kasirye, Filbert Obenchan, Usama Arafat
Mbarara City: Martin Elungat (GK), Jasper Aheebwa, Steven Othieno, Jude Semugabi, Soulymane Bamba, Hilary Mukundane, Ronald Otti, Thomas Kakaire, Ronald Edwok, Solomon Okwalinga, Ivan Otude
Substitutions: Muhammad Sekeba, Pitis Barenge, Henry Kitegenyi, Sadat Nsubuga, Kalule, Seiri Arigumaho Swalik Segujja
