Result: Express 2-1 Mbale Heroes
Express secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Mbale Heroes in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Monday.
Samuel Ssenyonjo (brace) scored for Express, while Davis Ssekaja found the back of the net for UPDF.
Hassan Kato got Mbale Heroes’ chance, but his powerful effort inside the area went inches off the target.
In the 25th minute, Samuel Ssenyonjo was brought down in the area by defender Samson Kasozi, and the referee pointed on the spot.
Mustafa Kizza stepped up but failed to convert from the 12-yard mark after blasting the ball over the goal frame.
Isaac Ofoyrwoth fired on target from a distance, but Express custodian Micheal Kagiri was equal to the challenge.
Coming into the second half, Mbale Heroes returned so much rejuvenated trying to utilise their speed and athleticism.
Ssenyonjo broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with an easy tap-in after connecting well with Alpha Thiery Ssali’s delivery.
In the 75th minute, Ssali was fouled in the area, but the centre referee waved away, noting that the contact was minimal.
Ssenyonjo completed a brace in the 83rd minutes as he was released by Micheal Kimera before the forward chipped the ball over the forward.
Four minutes later, Davis Ssekaja pulled one back for the visitors, who hardly went out of energy and belief.
Pius Kaggwa nearly found the equaliser at the death, but his powerful effort bounced off the frame.
The victory gives the Red Eagles maximum points and a perfect start in the 2024-25 campaign.
