We moved to third place in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League as Dhata’s 6th goal of the season and Allan Mugalu’s strike in the first half sealed a league double over Maroons.
Joseph Dhata stepped up to send Maroons goalkeeper Amir Nalugoda to the wrong side after Cromwell was fouled inside the box. Allan Mugalu scored his third goal of the campaign, completing a double over Maroons. He had scored the only goal in our reverse fixture, sending us into the halftime break with a comfortable lead.
A 2-1 win!
We started the game with the necessary desire to get the job done. Okocha delivered a good cross into the box, but Kayanja was slightly late to meet it. Moments later, Kayanja headed the ball over the bar from Thembo’s long throw-in.
The first real game-changer occurred when Cromwell was brought down in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Cromwell remained down for some time receiving treatment before Dhata stepped up to convert from the spot, giving us the lead.
With full momentum, Mugalu attempted a shot, but it went straight into the hands of the goalkeeper. Moments later, with an intelligent run into the box, he doubled our lead with a beautiful goal, after being set up by Kayanja, making it 2-0.
Cromwell took a powerful shot, aiming to make his mark, but the goalkeeper saved to deny him from getting onto the scoresheet. We headed into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead, having faced little change from the visitors in the first half.
At the restart, the lads came back with a desire to get a third. Okocha rushed onto a through ball, but the goalkeeper beat him to it. The goalkeeper then delayed with it, prompting Okocha’s chase, who won the ball off the keeper, but his shot was blocked, and a chance to bury the game went begging.
Ochan was called into making a save to deny Noel Nasasira as Maroons gained momentum. Allan Mugalu received a booking shortly before he was replaced by Ssebaggala. Moments later, Mubutu and Kavuma came on to replace Thembo and Kayanja, respectively.
Kavuma, coming off the bench, combined well with Dhata on the right with good interplay, but Kavuma’s shot went wide. Moments later, his second powerful attempt narrowly missed the target, while his cross was intercepted. Kiyemba got booked as the game’s intensity increased. Acire replaced Odongo as our final change.
Maroons scored a goal through Mpaji Isaac before the fourth official signaled four additional minutes. Okocha made a good run, went for power, and his shot at the near post was saved by the goalkeeper. He was later shown a yellow card for foul in the mid of the field. The game ends with a satisfying 2-1 win, sending us into the international break with a smile.
Joseph Dhata continues to impress
The South Sudanese international is enjoying a good run; in fact, he is having the best year of his career having joined NEC FC in July 2023. Our current top scorer has already netted 10 goals in all competitions, with his strike against Maroons being his 6th in the StarTimes Premier League, while the other four came in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
As the only rightful owner (player)of the Official FUFA Matchday ball, Zakayo; he has not only scored but also contributed assists, with the most recent one coming against Gaddafi FC in Jinja to set up Cromwell for a winner.
The ever-present right-back turned wing-back boasts a keen ability to read the game, spot openings in the opposition’s defense, and possess excellent ball control and dribbling ability, enabling him to maneuver through tight spaces, take on defenders, and create goal-scoring chances for himself and teammates. His fierce shots also make him a suitable winger. He has explosively grown under the watchful eye of Hussein Mbalangu and can’t wait for the new heights he is reaching.
In-form Allan Mugalu
Scoring our second goal of the day crowned his rejuvenated form and will be a good complement to build on as we head into the break. With numerous choices at hand, Mugalu has been awarded starting rights in four consecutive games, and with each passing game, the lad has impressed.
His exclusive display against Busoga United in the Stanbic Uganda Cup R16 looked like he had just found himself. His creativity, driving the ball forward before distribution, was spot on. His passing ability, however, was on great display against Gaddafi before cementing this great form with a goal against Maroons. The Head Coach and everyone at the club will be looking forward to consistency from the great dribbler moving forward.
Allan Mugalu was named Man of the Match for this encounter, in a great display regardless of not playing the whole 90 minutes.
What the win means
The win sends us to 37 points, securing the 3rd place, just 3 points behind the table leaders as we head into the international break.
What next
After the international break, we shall pay a visit to Kabaka Kyabagu Stadium in Wakiso on March 29, to face Wakiso Giants in Matchday 22.
Team News.
