Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Football Club co-coaches Brian Ssenyondo and Jackson Magera are under intense scrutiny after their team's disappointing start to the new round of the Uganda Premier League (UPL). The Kasasiro Boys, who ended the first round on a losing note to Entebbe UPPC, kicked off the second round with a 3-1 defeat against local rivals Nile Expressions Club (NEC) FC at the MTN-Omondi Stadium.
The loss has left Ssenyondo and Magera's positions tenuous, with growing calls from fans for their dismissal. NEC's new signing Richard Basangwa was the star of the show, netting a brace, while Joseph Sseremba added the other goal for the home side. Ivan Ahimbisibwe pulled one back for KCCA.
NEC also gave first league starts to new signings Pius Obuya, Abdullai Rashid Kawawa, and Muhammad Kagawa Ssenoga. The match, billed as a high-intensity affair, lived up to expectations with both teams putting on a show for the Lugogo derby crowd.
The game started brightly for KCCA, with Joel Sserunjogi's early attempt on goal being thwarted by NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo. NEC's first effort came from a Muhammad Kagawa corner, but KCCA goalkeeper Charles Lukwago parried the ball away.
Basangwa put NEC ahead in the 22nd minute, firing a powerful low drive past Lukwago. KCCA controlled possession for the remainder of the first half but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Umar Lutalo and Samy Ssbaduka had chances for KCCA, but neither could convert.
The second half saw KCCA coach Brian Ssenyondo make an early substitution, bringing on teenager Yan Gatbel for Hassan Muhamud. KCCA equalized four minutes into the half through Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who headed home from close range after a fine delivery from Lutalo.
NEC regained the lead in the 70th minute through Sseremba, who struck home on the half volley after being set up by Ssenoga. Basangwa added his second and NEC's third three minutes later, finishing from close range after a long ball from the right.
The result leaves KCCA in fifth place with 30 points, seven behind leaders Vipers SC. NEC moves up to seventh place with 23 points. The two teams will return to action next week, with NEC facing Vipers SC at the Kitende Stadium, and KCCA hosting Bul FC at home.
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