Lugazi recorded a statement victory over seven-time Uganda Premier League champions Express, securing a 1-0 win at home to complete a season double over the Red Eagles.
Sharif Saaka’s stunning first-half strike made the difference, handing the hosts a crucial three points that lifted them further from the relegation battle.
The game was evenly poised from the onset, with both teams fashioning out early half-chances. However, the decisive moment arrived just before halftime when Saaka produced a moment of magic.
Receiving the ball at the edge of the box, the winger beat his marker with a quick turn before unleashing a curling left-footed shot that left Express goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa rooted to the spot.
Express, who came into the match on the back of an emphatic 4-1 victory over Wakiso Giants, struggled to replicate that attacking fluency.
Their best opportunities fell to Richard Basangwa and Samuel Ssenyonjo in the second half, but Lugazi’s goalkeeper, Juma Mutebi, made key interventions to preserve his team’s lead.
With this win, Lugazi climbed to 11th place on 23 points, 10 clear of the drop zone. The result also ended their two-game winless streak and injected renewed confidence ahead of their upcoming clash against Mbale Heroes.
For Express, the defeat leaves them stranded in fifth place on 28 points, missing the chance to close in on the league’s top four. They will look to recover when they host Police next week.
