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Express sail to a convincing victory over UPDF to move out of the red zone

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Mike Birungi scored his 5th goal of the campaign (File Photo)
Mike Birungi scored his 5th goal of the campaign (File Photo)

By: Sinan Rajub Senoga 

Express defeated army side UPDF with a comprehensive 2-0 victory to move out the of the relegation zone for the first time since November last year.

First half goals from Mike Birungi and Jalil Zimula were enough to hand Shafik Bisaso coached men the much needed result.

Mike Birungi drew first blood with a close range tap in rebounding home an initial save from UPDF custodian Bashir Sekagya in the 14th minute.

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Steven Bogere the UPDF tactician made a quick reaction by bringing on Ronald Owinyi a more combative right back for Emmanuel Egau who had been numerously been troubled by Express’ Joseph Semujju.

Jalil Zimula whose goal bound strike from 20 yards had hit the woodwork in the 12th minute, then stretched the lead with an exquisite calm finish at the half hour mark.

The Express diminutive winger received a long diagonal pass from Edgar Bwogi and subsequently made trickery with a couple of step overs shaking off a forest of UPDF defenders before launching a low drive past an already beaten Bashir Sekagya.

Ezekiel Katende had the glorious chance to pull one back for the army side before halftime but his left footed effort went few inches away from the post.

The second half saw UPDF’s intent to chase the game through a host of attacks especially after the introduction of Kiberu Abbas and Mustafa Dongo who came on for Titus Lubega and Sydney Senyonga respectively.

Express brought on Sharif Ochaya for Davis Mayanja, David Ndihabwe for Alfred Leku and Mubarak Nsubuga for goalscorer Mike Birungi.

UPDF’s skipper Denis Sekitoleko was booked for foul on Mike Birungi whereas Joseph Semujju and Jalil Zimula were the only Express players cautioned on the evening.

The victory elevates the Red Eagles from the red zone to the 12th place leapfrogging Mbarara City and UPDF FC with 25 points garnered from 24 games played.

Defeat condemns UPDF to a slump to the 13th place with 25 points collected from 25 games. It’s only goal difference separating them from Express.

Express will visit Maroons in their subsequent league fixture on Saturday 28th April whereas UPDF will play hosts to BUL FC at Bombo on Tuesday 22nd April.

Full Tuesday Results
SC Villa 0-1 Vipers
Onduparaka 1-1 KCCA
Express 2-0 UPDF
Proline 3-1 Police

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