UPL: Police stun Kitara for maiden win
• Kitara 0-1 Police
After a series of attempts to get off the mark, Police Football Club finally defied all odds to register the first win in the Uganda Premier League on Thursday.
The Cops raided Royals Park in Butema and subdued hosts Kitara 1-0 in a close contest thanks to midfielder Gadafi Kacancu’s decisive goal.
Kacancu scored after 28 minutes from a clinical rebound that went above the goalkeeper Jamil Kiyimba to silence a huge crowd.
A Police freekick on the edge of the 18-yard box was taken by Ogwang Isaac before goalie saved the former’s ferocious shot back into play. Kacancu was well placed and unmarked before he riffled a shot in the top corner for celebrations.
At 35 minutes, The Cops were denied a clear goal from Obedi Brian James who was wrongly judged to have fouled the keeper before tapping home from close range.
Makeshift leftback Tony Kiwalazi squeezed a defense splitting pass to meet overlapping Ogwang down the right wing. The striker then sliced a swift pass which was poorly dealt with by the defense before the ball landed on Obedi’s foot for a tap in.
However, his celebrations were cut short by the first assistant referee Nassolo Elizabeth who raised her flag for Kitara’s freekick. Regardless, Police held on.
Goalkeeper Edward Kasibante made fine saves on the day, stopping Jude Ssemugabi and Patrick Kaddu when it was Kitara’s turn to attack.
Captain Denis Iguma and Faruku Katongole patterned well in defense to avert the dangerous attacks posed while Eragu Gabriel pocketed Denis Omedi for the entire game.
At full-time, it was Police smiling away with three points inflicting more pain on the hosts’ wounds.
The priceless win took Police on six points from four games after managing three successive draws in the opening three matches.
After the international break, The Cops will play host to Express on October 16th at Kavumba recreation playground.
How the Cops lined up
Edward Kasibante (GK), Denis Iguma ©, Eragu Gabriel, Tony Kiwalazi, Otto Daniel, Gadaffi Kacancu, Ivan Eyamu, Denis Kalanzi, Obedi Brian James, Isaac Ogwang
Substitutes: Mathias Muwanga, Reagan Male, Adewale Bojo, Herman Wasswa Nteza, Gerald Ogweti, Emmanuel Mugume, Jjemba Abdu Shakur Ramsey, Kevin Obua, Steven Kabuye, Kayongo Samuel
