KCCA FC breathed life back into their title push on Tuesday evening with a commanding 4-0 demolition of UPDF FC at the MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, snapping a brief but uncomfortable dip in form.
The Kasasiro Boys came into the contest under pressure, having gone two matches without a win. A 2-0 defeat to Police FC followed by a dull goalless stalemate against Maroons had not only stalled momentum but also cost them top spot on the table, with head coach Brian Ssenyondo facing growing criticism.
If there was ever an ideal opponent to steady the ship, UPDF proved to be just that. The army side has struggled against KCCA in recent seasons, and that trend continued as the hosts produced one of their most ruthless displays of the campaign.
From the first whistle, KCCA played with purpose and urgency. Their intent was rewarded in the 11th minute when Sammy Ssebadduka finished off a slick move, tapping in Herbert Achayi’s delivery to hand the hosts an early advantage.
KCCA remained firmly in control and doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark. Joel Sserunjogi converted from the penalty spot after Shafik Nana Kwikiriza was brought down by Edward Saturo. While the referee pointed to the spot, television replays suggested the infringement occurred outside the area, much to UPDF’s frustration.
The visitors offered little threat going forward, a problem compounded by the decision to leave leading scorer Sam Ssekamatte on the bench. Lacking a focal point in attack, UPDF rarely troubled the KCCA backline.
Any hopes of a second-half response were quickly extinguished. Six minutes after the restart, Ssebadduka struck again, calmly finishing to make it 3-0 and effectively seal the contest.
Substitute Alpha Ssali then provided the perfect finale. Introduced late in the game, he announced himself in KCCA colours by finding the net in stoppage time, crowning an emphatic evening for the home fans.
The convincing victory lifts KCCA to second place on the table with 30 points, three behind leaders Vipers SC, who have played a game less. The champions, underlined their own credentials with a thumping 4-1 win over Police FC, ensuring the title race remains finely poised.
