Star-studded Express too nervous to conquer SC Villa

BY JOSEPH BATTEEXPRESS had the talent and the desire but not enough belief to beat SC Villa on Saturday.The earliest sign that the Red Eagles were short on confidence came in the pre-match warm-up exercises. Express players momentarily halted their warm-up to stare at Villa’s elaborate exercise until an official shouted: “Stop staring (at Villa) and concentrate on your warm-up.”During the game, a star-studded Express was reduced to a nervous wreck as Villa, made up of mostly short, baby-faced novices like Peter Makanga, Ismail Kigozi, David Yiga and Joseph Kabagambe, took the initiative.Goalkeeper William Tamale made a hush of every high ball, defender Francis Gonzaga was a pack of nerves while Abed Bironse and Peter Lwebuga kicked more legs than balls.It took Richard Malinga 30 minutes to make his first venture in the opponent’s area and another 30 to make any meaningful contribution in attack.Kefa Kisala and Jamil Kyambadde were introduced in the second half to add to some creativity to Express’ attack but, after a couple of promising runs, they looked more tired than their colleagues who had started the game.Edward Kalungi was the only bright spot. The veteran defender never got a single foot wrong and was on hand to deny Villa with a goal-line clearance in a man-of-the-match display.Hassan Mubiru and Andrew Mukasa were always in a hurry to score and eventually span the few chances that fell their way.Villa goalkeeper Hannington Kalyesubula and defender Timothy Batabaire also put up outstanding performances.Express coach Jimmy Muguwa said: “My players were panicking and were afraid of Villa. We also have to work seriously on the fitness of our players.”ends