Cops hit four past Buhimba to keep title ambitions alive

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Results

Police 4 Buhimba 0

Vipers 5 UPDF 1

Mbarara 1 UPPC Entebbe 1

Thursday

Express v Calvary

URA v Kitara

Police FC returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, cruising to a 4-0 victory over struggling Buhimba United Saints in a one-sided Uganda Premier League (UPL) encounter at Kira Road Arena, Kamwokya.

The result lifted the Cops to 17 points, level with early pacesetters KCCA FC and SC Villa at the summit of the 16-team table.

Coming off a painful 2-1 defeat to Kitara, Police approached the match with renewed urgency and purpose. They dominated proceedings from kick-off, controlling possession and creating a flurry of early chances. Forwards Denis Kalanzi, Brian Obedi and Umar Kasumba were constant threats, forcing goalkeeper Jamil Kiyimba into five impressive saves inside the first 20 minutes.

Kiyimba’s resistance was eventually broken in the 28th minute when Kalanzi tucked in a rebound after he spilled Lawrence Tezikya’s powerful shot. Police pushed for a second, and it arrived on the stroke of halftime.

Obedi brilliantly dribbled through the Buhimba defence before setting up Kasumba, who finished calmly for a 2-0 lead at the break.

Buhimba improved after the introduction of Derrick Byabachwezi in the second half, but defenders Deus Bukenya and Benon Tahomera, together with goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga, stood firm to keep the visitors at bay.

At the hour mark, captain Saidi Kyeyune extended Police’s advantage with a well-executed team goal, finishing off Kalanzi’s assist. Substitute Derrick Maviiri sealed the 4-0 rout late in the game, slotting home after good work from fellow substitute Emmanuel Mugume.

Kyeyune, who was named player of the match, said the team’s response was driven by the disappointment of losing to Kitara. “We were hurt because we felt we were the better side. But this season our ambitions are different—we want to compete for the title,” he said.

Police return to action next Wednesday with an away fixture against Lugazi FC at Lugazi Stadium Najjembe.

Elsewhere, at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge, Entebbe UPPC’s Ambrose Kigozi netted a 79th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Mbarara City, cancelling out Muhammad Kanyike’s earlier strike.

Meanwhile, at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende, Vipers SC continued their impressive run on Tuesday, securing their fifth win in six matches with a commanding 5-2 triumph over UPDF. Congolese forward Gusto Mulongo scored twice, while Milton Karisa, Robin Kane and Moses Waiswa added a goal each for the Venoms. Samuel Ssekamatte scored the consolation for UPDF.