Kitara delivered a resounding statement with a 7-0 demolition of Express in the Uganda Premier League (UPL) at Royals Park Stadium, Butema in Hoima, on Saturday.
Former Express forward George Ssenkaaba stole the spotlight, bagging a hat-trick against his old club.
Jude Ssemugabi added a brace, while Fred Amaku and David Ndihabwe also found the back of the net in the emphatic win.
First-Half Dominance
Kitara wasted no time, with Ssenkaaba opening the scoring in the 2nd minute.
Fred Amaku missed a penalty in the 8th minute but made amends with a goal in the 37th minute, following Ssemugabi’s strike in the 21st.
Kitara went into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Second-Half Rampage
The Royals returned hungrier, with Ssenkaaba scoring two more in the 58th and 77th minutes to seal his hat-trick.
Ssemugabi completed his brace a minute later, and Ndihabwe added the final nail to Express’ coffin, rounding off the scoreline at 7-0.
Reunion with a Twist
Kitara’s head coach Wasswa Bbosa, along with assistants Hassan Mubiru and Richard Kansole, all former Express players, orchestrated this crushing defeat against their old team.
Bbosa, notably, led Express to their last league title in the 2020/21 season.
Express Struggles Continue
For interim coach Badru Kaddu, it was another tough outing, following a 2-1 loss to URA last week.
The Red Eagles remain winless in two games under his guidance, and their sixth-place standing on 19 points is under threat.
Kitara’s Stellar Form
Kitara’s recent form is remarkable, with three straight wins and 21 goals scored in their last five games without conceding.
Despite the absence of star striker Denis Omedi, who is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club, Kitara climbed to 7th place, level on 17 points with defending champions Villa but ahead on goal difference.
What’s Next?
Kitara: Visit Wakiso Giants on January 5 at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
Express: Host Bright Stars on January 2 at the revamped Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
