Kagawa Ssenoga rose highest to power home a header from Wandera’s free-kick as we claimed a hard-fought win on the road against Police FC.
The Diehards produced a determined performance in Kampala, dominating large spells without finding the breakthrough in a goalless first half, before Ssenoga’s decisive moment just after the hour mark proved enough to take all three points.
We started brightly and created early opportunities. Kulanga drove down the left flank, rattling the side netting with his shot.Moments later, Musa combined well with Basangwa on the right, delivering a dangerous cross that Kimwero couldn’t quite connect with in the box, leading to a corner that came to nothing.We continued to push forward. I
n the sixth minute, Police earned a corner, but Hannington punched clear confidently to deny danger and spark a potential counter. Kagawa’s pass was well intercepted, but the intent was clear. Chances kept coming: Kulange linked with Basangwa, who fed Tonny for a shot that was blocked, before Ssekamatte attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick that struck the side netting.
In transition, Police’s Tezikya tested Hannington, who punched away strongly with the defence mopping up. Approaching the half-hour mark, Ssekamatte combined neatly with Kagawa to set up Basangwa, but Police’s Muwanga matched the energy with a punch clear, and Kulange couldn’t control the loose ball, resulting in a goal kick. The first half ended goalless after one minute of added time, with both sides having created opportunities but no breakthrough. We went in level at the break but full of encouragement.
We resumed with renewed intensity. In the 50th minute, Musa came agonisingly close, his shot flashing just past the post. Shamir Kimwero picked up a yellow card shortly after as the game tightened. Wandera delivered a perfect corner on 57 minutes, but the hosts cleared; Kagawa then fired over the bar from the follow-up. Our first change came on 61 minutes, with Samuel Ssekamatte making way for James Jarieko to freshen the attack.
The breakthrough arrived on 67 minutes. Wandera whipped in a dangerous free-kick, and Kagawa Ssenoga rose highest above the defence to head powerfully into the net – a brilliant moment of quality to give us the lead.
We nearly doubled the advantage soon after. Atukunda’s free-kick caused chaos in the box, and Warren’s effort found the net, but the offside flag ruled it out. With the game entering the closing stages, we made a double change on 77 minutes: Tonny Atukunda and Emmanuel Kulanga were replaced by Allan Mugalu and Siraje Sentamu to see out the victory.
Despite late pressure, the defence stood firm, and Hannington and the backline ensured a clean sheet. A gritty, professional performance from the Diehards – clinical when it mattered and resolute throughout. Three valuable points on the road.
What next:
Our next encounter will see us host Lugazi FC in our Stanbic Uganda Cup Round 16 at the MTN Omondi Stadium – Lugogo in an afternoon kickoff at 3PM.