Regional League: Free Stars 2 Luwero Utd 1

(Credit: Fred Kyambadde)

Joel Ssuuna and Hudson Apuda were on target as Free Stars FC got their first win in the second round of the Buganda Regional League against Luwero United at UCU in Mukono on Saturday.

The win helped Free Stars, deep in the relegation battle and second from the bottom of table, to narrow the gap between them and fellow strugglers Nabugabo FC.

They had a good start, intent on finding the net early but they were kept out by the disciplined Luwero defence.

The visitors were water-tight until the 20th minute when Apuda broke the shackles after poor clearance of Joshua Asiku's corner kick.

Sssuna made it two for the hosts with his second goal for his club with a long-range drive from outside the 18-yard to take Free Stars strong into the break.

Jerome Semambo would have locked in the victory before the interval but poor ball control let him down.

The visitors had the chance to pull one back before half time but were also wasteful.

Joshua Kigozi came close early in the second half when his glancing header floated over the bar. And as the game wore on, Free Stars resorted to conserving their 2-0 advantage by bossing much of the ball.

Substitute Edie Basagala pulled one back for the visitors one minute to end of the game but it came a little too late.

Victory took Free Stars to 12 points but still in the drop zone while Luwero are in second on 20 points, tied with table leaders Kyetume FC who have a game in hand.

Free Stars and Luwero will be taking on Kikyusa FC and Kampala University FC in their next fixtures respectively.