Express, KCC draw plays in Villa's favour

BY JOSEPH KABULETA A draw was the kind of result that helped neither club, but in the end both KCC and Express could take solace from their slug-out at Namboole Saturday. KCC, who defended gallantly, have been claiming aggrieved status over the 1-1 draw that must have left Villa patrons smiling. May be so, but you have to be one of either a harsh judge or KCC fan to contend that Express' sustained pressure after they fell back didn't deserve reward. The class of Hassan Mubiru's equaliser is in no doubt - the league's leading marksman racing ahead of Lawrence Kizito to head home. The draw was triumph for Express in more ways just one. KCC coach David Otti had shifted Meddie Nsubuga from his preferred defensive role to a wide midfield position where his brief was to stop Ibrahim Buwembo. The veteran coach also called on his height-iest defenders to cut out Mubiru's aerial threat. The fact that it was the two players who combined to level matters for Express must have left Otti an aggrieved man. Until Otti decided to withdraw Henry Kabeta, Buwembo and Jamil Kyambadde had been thwarted. Without Kabeta the two sprang to life; Kyambadde hit the crossbar and Buwembo provided the equalising cross. But KCC have a lot to smile about. It's no coincidence that they've conceded just three goals and they deserve credit for creating enough chances to win the game with only two men up front. On Sunday, SC Villa had to grit their teeth to beat Heroes in a tense match at Namboole. Former Villa midfielder Julius Kibombo has been a thorn in their flesh since he left Villa. The player who scored an equaliser for Maji that halted Villa's title celebrations in 1999, did the same for Heroes Sunday, only this time Villa bounced back with a Phillip Ssozi header to take full advantage of the draw between their rivals. Wannabe Cranes striker Toto Songe was on target again as championship pretenders Mbarara were held to a 1-1 draw by Police in Kakyeka. ends