Whole new glove game

By Kenneth A. Matovu As ludicrously as paradoxes come, this game had it all and nothing. Two goals, a sending off, violence and a notable absentee - good soccer. SC Villa-Express represents the greatest chance of being entertained in our League. Yet, of the thousands that thronged Namboole on Saturday, only those who appreciate boxing left smiling. The greatest disappointment was not that the foul-ridden match degenerated into a brawl but the failure of both teams to play well. Those who doubt the notion that Express' assembly of weary-legged mercenaries is the epitome of what is good in our game were vindicated. And Villa's inability to kill off games in spite of dominating - as we saw against KCC - was exposed. Villa started the stronger with Hakim Magumba and Alimansi Kadogo running Express' lethargic midfield into the ground. Coach Paul Hasule opted for Michael Sebalinga to partner Maurice Sunguti in attack knowing how shaky Express' defence is when the ball is being taken to them. Express skipper and stopper Philip Obwiny, dangerous going forward, was duly kept busy, his lone foray in attack in the first half leading to a boxing duel with Villa's right back James Kayimba. Other players got involved and it took the physical intervention of referee Muzaffar Ziraba alongside officials from both teams to separate the warring factions. Ziraba then sent Kayimba off causing protests from Villa players, who thought Obwiny should have gone off as well if anyone had to. Earlier, after Magumba struck the bar, Sunguti had scored the opener, beating three defenders and slipping the ball under the diving frame of Sam Kawalya on 19 minutes. Just 10 minutes later James Odoch equalised for Express, firing in a brilliant 25-meter drive after being teed up by the otherwise disappointing Jamil Kyambadde. Express seized the upper hand but lost far too many 50-50 balls for comfort. Ibrahim Buwembo and Kyambadde, their main creative forces, looked tired, while the lesser talents of Odoch and Edward Kalungi could not match Villa's speed. That said, the all-round game that allowed Kefa Kisala to fly down the left flank in support of Express' static attack was a joy to behold, the more so after he had been hit by a flying gourd from the Villa crowd. In the second period, neither side looked like producing a goal. A man down, Villa would have been forgiven for taking caution but they turned out to be the more lively. As the game droned on, Express tired more, the substitution of Ronald Kizito, who had come on for Kalungi, being the low point. In the end, we had more entertainment from the touch-line antics of the animated Express assistant coach Frank Anyau 'Video'. Sadly for him the draw damaged Express' title hopes more as they have now lost 12 points compared to KCC's 10 and a paltry six for Villa. r A record sh68.1m was collected in Saturday's Nile Special Super League match between Express and SC Villa adds Peter Ekarot.