Shaban Scores Late as Kitara Beat Lugazi

Saturday Results
Calvary 1-0 KCCA FC
Lugazi 1-2 Kitara FC
Maroons FC 3-1 Police FC
SC Villa vs Buhimba, 8pm – Kadiba

Mid-season signing Muhammad Shaban scored a late winner as Kitara FC defeated Lugazi FC 2-1 in a StarTimes Uganda Premier League match played on Saturday in Najjembe.

Patrick Kaddu and Muhammad Shaban were on target for Kitara FC, while Paul Busolo scored the lone goal for Lugazi FC.

After a relatively balanced start, Kitara took the lead on the half-hour mark through Patrick Kaddu, who headed home a well-delivered free kick from Gaddafi Wahab. The Lugazi defence failed to deal with the set piece effectively.

Four minutes later, goalkeeper Allan Batali Igama produced a fine save to deny George Senkaaba’s header, keeping the hosts in the game.

Kitara carried their 1-0 lead into halftime, with another 45 minutes to defend their advantage.

In the second half, Lugazi FC pushed for an equaliser and eventually found it in the 81st minute through substitute Paul Busolo, who capitalised on poor defending to score from close range.

In the 88th minute, Lugazi captain Richard Ayiko was sent off after receiving a second yellow card following a foul during a Kitara counterattack.

Two minutes later, Kitara struck the decisive blow. Samuel Kato Nemeyimana initiated a long ball from defence, and after a lapse in Lugazi’s backline, Muhammad Shaban fired past the goalkeeper to score his first goal for the Royals.

The victory lifts Kitara FC to 51 points, level with second-placed KCCA FC, who lost 1-0 to Calvary FC. However, KCCA retain the advantage on head-to-head record.

Lugazi FC remain 13th on the table with 20 points, five above the relegation zone, with five matches remaining in the season.

In their next fixtures, Lugazi FC will visit Buhimba United on April 29, while Kitara FC will host SC Villa the following day.

Later this evening, SC Villa will host Buhimba United at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.