Ssenyondo slams KCCA after Police defeat
His anger was understandable on a day when Police FC were superior from the first whistle to the last, showing greater hunger, organisation and efficiency.
KCCA FC's Lazaro Muhindo (right) controls the ball ahead of Police FC's Richard Matovu during a Uganda Premier League match at Kira Police Ground. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Uganda Premier League
Result
Police 2 KCCA 0
Buhimba 1 Maroons 0
Vipers 2 Mbarara 0
KCCA FC head coach Brian Ssenyondo did not mince his words after watching his side slump to a 2-0 defeat against Police FC at Kira Road Arena on Tuesday, a loss that saw the Kasasiro Boys surrender top spot on the Uganda Premier League table.
“A team like KCCA should be better on any given day, and today we were not better than Police,” a visibly frustrated Ssenyondo said after the match.
KCCA FC's Lazaro Muhindo (right) controls the ball ahead of Police FC's Richard Matovu during a Uganda Premier League match at Kira Police Ground. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“That performance was substandard and unacceptable. There was complacency because we had won five games in a row, but a league is only won after the last match in May.”
His anger was understandable on a day when Police FC were superior from the first whistle to the last, showing greater hunger, organisation and efficiency.
After a fairly even first half, the Cops took control of the contest shortly after the break. In the 51st minute, Denis Kalanzi chested the ball into the path of Obedi Brian James inside the KCCA penalty area, and the midfielder struck a fine volley past Emmanuel Emojong to give Police a deserved lead.
Police FC's Saidi Kyeyune (left) battles for the ball with KCCA FC's Derrick Nsibambi during a Uganda Premier League match at Kira Police Ground. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
KCCA failed to recover, and their situation worsened 11 minutes later when in-form striker Bedia Ikamba doubled Police’s advantage with a composed finish after getting assisted by Kalanzi further exposing the visitors’ defensive frailties.
The Kasasiro Boys pushed for a response late on, with Ashraf Mugume, Derrick Nsibambi and Herbert Achayi all testing Police goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga, but the custodian was equal to the task, keeping his goal intact to seal all three points for the home side.
The result drops KCCA to second place on 26 points from 12 matches. Defending champions Vipers reclaimed the summit with 27 points after defeating Mbarara City 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, having played one game fewer.
Police FC climbed to third place on 24 points from 12 games, firmly inserting themselves into the title conversation.