Rwamwanja Stadium | StarTimes Uganda Premier League | November 1, 2025
We secured our first win of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League season in thrilling style, overcoming Mbarara City with a second-half goal from Allan Mugalu. Hudson Mbalire’s outstanding performance earned him The Linqsoft Man of the Match award, as we defended resolutely to claim a crucial three points at the impressive Rwamwanja Stadium.
In front of a sparse crowd at the World Bank-funded Rwamwanja Stadium, hampered by persistent rain, we demonstrated determination and earn a well-deserved victory. The match burst into action right from the start, with the lads showing a higher desire for the win despite the challenging weather.
We almost took the lead in the fourth minute when Hudson Mbalire’s precise header set up Joseph Dhata, whose shot whistled just wide. Moments later Marvin Kavuma fired a powerful free kick over the bar in the eighth minute, followed by a long-range effort that the Mbarara City goalkeeper collected comfortably four minutes later.
Mbarara City’s Kitegenyi rushed onto a through ball, beating the offside trap setting up his teammate whose shot went out wide after Samson Kiirya’s good game reading, not panicing off his goal.
The first half saw several opportunities slip away. Kavuma combined with Dhata in the 35th minute, but the shot flew over. Mbalire then met a cross with a strong header, only for the Mbarara keeper to hold on. Our best moment came deep into added time: Kavuma’s curling free kick forced a fine save and a corner, from which Mbalire’s header found the side netting. We went into the break level at 0-0 – a testament to the competitive nature of the opening period.
We returned for the second half, Ibrahim Musa replaced Patrick Bayiga as with added intensity and broke through on 55 minutes. Mbalire’s dangerous free kick created havoc in the Mbarara area, after the goalkeeper failed to deal with it allowing Allan Mugalu to finish from close range. The goal sparked the game into life, as Mbarara sought a response.
The hosts increased their pressure, but our backline remained solid. Samson Kiirya made a brilliant save in the 76th minute to repel a strong shot, keeping our advantage intact. Mbalire came close to extending the lead two minutes later, his dominant header going narrowly wide. Substitutions strengthened our efforts: Paul Mucureezi and James Jarieko came on for Kavuma and Dhata, bringing fresh impetus to help us close out the game. Mbarara threw men forward in the dying moments, but our composure and defensive organization ensured we preserved the clean sheet and the win.
LINQSOFT MAN OF THE MAN
Hudson Mbalire was the heartbeat of our performance, controlling the ball well upfront with his aerial dominance, and relentless energy. His set-piece that led to the winner was pivotal, and his all-round display was worthy the reward from Linqsoft Aluminum Limited; UGX 200,000 prize and a special presentation from The Clun Chairman Eng. Brian Buhanda
What It Means
This win takes us to a tally of 5 points from four games, jumping us out of the relegation zone as we look to pick up our form and momentum.
What next
We host BUL FC this Saturday, November 8, 2025, at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo at 8 PM, with the live broadcast brought to you by Sanyuka Prime and FUFA TV.