KCCA's Mutebi critical of Lukwago's 'poor decision-making'

Feb 22, 2020

"A senior player like him should not be making such silly mistakes," said KCCA coach Mike Mutebi of goalkeeper Charles Lukwago.

STARTIMES UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE

Saturday results

KCCA 1-1 Express

Wakiso Giants 1-1 Kyetume

Bright Stars 1-0 Proline

Tooro United 2-0 Police

Onduparaka 1-1 Mbarara City

___________________________

KAMPALA - KCCA missed an opportunity to go with in two points behind league leaders Vipers SC after being held 1-1 by rivals Express on Saturday at Lugogo.

The Lugogo side began on a high note as expected by attacking, only to be denied by Express goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga in the opening 10 minutes.

In the 24th minute, due to pressure, Express defender Isa Lumu fouled Sadat Anaku in the 18-yard box and centre referee Mashood Ssali awarded KCCA a penalty, which Mustafa Kizza converted.

KCCA kept on pushing on for the second goal but Muwanga was equal to every challenge and denied Anaku, Erisa Ssekisambu and Gift Ali.

Towards halftime, KCCA goalkeeper and skipper Charles Lukwago made an unforgivable error when he tried to dribble past Musa Doka but the Express forward won the ball and fired into an empty net, only for KCCA defender Musa Ramathan to cover up, but unfortunately with his hand.

He was shown a direct red card, leaving the hosts a man down.

Lukwago, the cause of the error, got injured while trying to win the ball back from Doka. He was substituted and taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

 hj Both tacticians where restless on the sidelines

 

Mike Mutebi was forced to make an early substitution as Ali Mwirusi came on to replace the injured first-choice keeper.

Frank Kalanda stepped to the penalty and scored for Express.

Despite being a man down, KCCA returned to the second half and piled more pressure on the visitors in search for a second goal.

However just like in the first half, Muwanga kept watch of the hosts' attempts at his goal as he made six saves to deny KCCA from getting the three points.

Desperate for a second goal, Mutebi introduced Muzamir Mutyaba and Julius Poloto to feed lone striker Anaku.

The duo's presence was felt as he on a number of occasions, came close to finding the back of the net, but Muwanga remained solid.

 hjh KCCA's Mustafa Kizza scored from the penalty spot . . .

 

 hj . . .  so did Frank Kalanda for Express

 

After the game, Mutebi was furious at his captain Lukwago for the blunder.

"A senior player like him should not be making such silly mistakes," he said. "Because of his poor decision-making we lost two important points."

The KCCA tactician however remained resolute. His side will fight on to the very end.

"I am disappointed but the fight is still on and we shall keep chasing until the last game of the season," said Mutebi.

KCCA are on 46 points, four behind leaders Vipers, who lost 3-1 to URA on Friday.

KCCA will return to action on Wednesday against Police at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo.

Meanwhile, Express assistant coach James Odoch was content with the away point.

He said the result will be a buildup to their fight against relegation.

"We did not play well but I am happy for the point. We are fighting relegation and now every point is important," said Odoch.

Express are now on 28 points in 11th position. They will be back in action on Tuesday against URA at home at Kavumba Recreation Centre.



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