The 2-0 victory for KCCA at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo yesterday had a telling bearing at both ends of the league table; further complicating Proline’s permutations for survival but also reopening the title race.
Muhammad Shaban’s 13th goal of the season and another by Derrick Nsibambi made light work of a Proline side that did the playing but forgot to score.
With Jinja based Kirinya holding table toppers Vipers to a 1-1 draw in Eastern Uganda, the lead at the summit is now down to four points.
KCCA, now on 54 points – one above third-placed SC Villa, can again strongly count their chances of defending the league title that had seemed to be slipping from them last week.
“A very big win but we didn’t play as well as we would have liked,” said KCCA manager Mike Mutebi.
Proline were guilty of several goal scoring opportunities through Daniel Isiagi, David Owori and skipper Joseph Mandela among others and were duly punished by KCCA after the break.
The visitors’ defender Saaka Mpiima attempted to head back to his goalkeeper Saidi Keni but Shaban, the unseen and unwanted guest, popped up to bury it for KCCA’s 50th minute lead.
Nsibambi, who had replaced Jackson Nunda, headed in the second in added time to firmly reignite the title race.
Proline relegation worries
Defeat for Proline kept them second from bottom on 27 points from 28 matches, further finishing their survival hopes.
“We played very well,” said Proline coach Mujib Kasule, “We had a very good game plan. The boys gave everything but we didn’t bury our chances.
“We keep fighting. It’s not over yet. With this kind of spirit we can beat the drop.”
In Jinja, it took Moses Waiswa’s 57th minute strike to cancel out Isma Kawawulo’s ninth minute goal and salvage a point for Vipers against Kirinya.
“It was a very tough match with a very tough team,” said Vipers coach Miguel da Costa, “Concerning the team, the pitch and everything I am satisfied.”
Kirinya’s Ayieko was also happy with his boys and officiating. “Today I got a fair referee compared to what I’ve been getting over the last five games.”
