BUL opened their second-round campaign in the Uganda Premier League with a convincing 2-0 victory over Express FC at Nakivubo Stadium on Wednesday, securing a vital three points in their push for the top spots.
An early own goal from Express captain Emmanuel Alex Wasswa set the tone for the visitors, who doubled their lead before halftime through Pascal Ngobi’s close-range finish.
The result lifted BUL to sixth place on 23 points, just two behind their beaten opponents, while Express suffered a setback in their quest to close the gap on league leaders Vipers.
Express had a chance to equalise in the 21st minute when new signing Muhammad Kagawa was set up by Richard Basangwa, but he failed to beat BUL’s goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.
The Red Eagles’ struggles were compounded when striker Sam Ssenyonjo was forced off with an injury in the 30th minute.
BUL capitalised on their momentum, and in the 40th minute, George Kasonko orchestrated a brilliant move that led to Ngobi’s goal, sealing the victory.
Express, in third place with 24 points, will be looking over their shoulder as KCCA, also on 24 points, could overtake them with a positive result against NEC on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Lugazi FC boosted their survival hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Police FC at Najjembe Stadium.
Abdul Kalanzi was the hero of the day, converting a 70th-minute penalty after Gabriel Eragu fouled Freedom Munguti in the area.
Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in a first half dominated by midfield battles.
However, tactical changes from Lugazi coach Steven Bogere in the second half injected fresh energy into the home side, eventually leading to the breakthrough.
The victory, only Lugazi’s third in 16 matches, lifted them to 17 points, just one behind Police, who remain in 10th place on 18 points.
With their first win in nine games, Lugazi will be eager to build momentum when they visit Wakiso Giants on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Soltilo Bright Stars fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Maroons at Luzira Prisons Grounds.
The hosts took the lead in the 58th minute through a stunning free kick from Felix Okot, but Bright Stars salvaged a crucial point when goalkeeper Simon Tamale fumbled Paskali Oketcho’s delivery into his own net in the 79th minute.
Bright Stars remain deep in the relegation battle, sitting second from bottom with 11 points, while Maroons hold on to seventh place with 23 points.
Both sides will be back in action over the weekend, with Maroons visiting URA and Bright Stars traveling to Kitara.
The Uganda Premier League continues on Thursday with three fixtures on the menu, including a highly-anticipated one between NEC and KCCA under MTN Omondi Stadium’s floodlights.
