UPL: Fred Amaku - Maroons' Warder arrests KCCA at Lugogo

Fred Amaku netted twice to stun KCCA|BATA IMAGES

FOOTBALL UPL: Fred Amaku - Maroons' Warder arrests KCCA at Lugogo

Allan Damba • 18:47 - 03.10.2023

It was a show of grit and grind from Maroons FC as they stunned KCCA FC, beating them 2-1 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Fred Amaku netted a brace to send his team and fans in a frenzy, while KCCA netted through striker Muhammad Shaban.

KCCA have now lost twice on the bounce in the league, having been beaten 1-0 by BUL FC last week.

The hosts dominated early proceedings, boasting the lion's share of possession without necessarily threatening, with the goal in sight.

Against the run of play, the visitors in the 22nd minute, broke the deadlock through Amaku's rebounded effort, after goalkeeper Juma Mutebi had spilled Innocent Tusubira's shot.

With halftime looming, Shaban capitalized on a defensive mix-up to tap from close range and level matters for KCCA.

In the final minute of the first half, Maroons nearly added a second but Amaku failed to effectively combine with Darius Ojok, before the latter was adjudged for offside.

KCCA restarted the second the much better side and should have made it two, but Shaban's header was met with a stunning Amir Nalugoda save.

A minute later, Shaban headed inches wide a Eufranio Cungulo cross from the right wing.

The visitors should have scored in the 65th minute but KCCA defender James Mubezi reacted superbly to deny Tusubira from making it two.

KCCA squandered a chance to take the lead as Usama Arafat missed a penalty, hitting the crossbar with Nalugoda well beaten.

In the 81st minute, Amaku added a second after a defensive mix-up and a mistake from goalkeeper Juma Mutebi.

KCCA have now failed to win each of their two games and lie 13th on the 16-team table. They host Express FC on Sunday at Lugogo.

Maroons have ascended to third on the log with seven points from three matches, and will now visit BUL FC on October 20.

How they both lined up

KCCA: Juma Mutebi (GK), Peter Magambo (c), James Mubezi, Moses Waiswa, Herbert Achai, Eufranio Carlos Da Cungulo, Etienne Katenga, Muhammad Shaban, Abubakar Mayanja, Aires Emilson Gonzaga, Usama Arafat.

Substitutions: Derrick Ochan, Saidi Mayanja, Hassan Mubiru, Bruno Mfulu, Faisal Wabyoona, Emmanuel Sserunjogi, Gabriel Estevez.

Maroons: Amir Nalugoda (GK), David Ndihabwe (c), Patrick Bayiga, Fred Amaku, Fredrick Kigozi, Abel Etrude, Innocent Tusubira, Jacob Okao, Darius Ojok, Felix Okot, Innocent Biyika.

Substitutions: Emmanuel Akol, Edward Kabona, Godwin Kitagenda, Umar Kyebatala, Baden Ogama, Ronald Orombi, I. Mpagi.