Two goals in the second half by skipper Saddam Juma were enough to guide Express FC past Entebbe based Masavu in the Uganda Cup on Saturday at Wankulukuku.
The Red Eagles would have ended the game with over 6 goals but their chances created only ended lurking in the wilderness as their forwards failed to put the ball at the back of the net on several.
The hosts were on several occasions punished for not killing off the game but the most clear cut chance for Masavu came a few minutes after recess when Joseph Nsabirwa’s shot beat the woodwork after leaving the Express goalkeeper Emmanuel Opio toil on the ground.
The Entebbe based side who were now 10 men after defender Lawrence Balikalanze had been shown matching orders in the first half finally let loose with skipper Saddam Juma scoring from a spot kick.
Earlier, defender Fred Umony had been shown a straight red card after handling the ball in the 18 yard box following a Simon Sserunkuuma cross and winning a penalty for the hosts.
Juma was at it again with a block buster that went past Masavu goal keeper Yusuf Waiswa to double the lead for the hosts.
In an interview with ChimpSport, Express coach Matia Lule admitted his boys were not sharp upfront missing a number of chances.
Express’ Mahad Kakooza in action on Saturday.
“We are lucky we won the game but we have to go back to the drawing board and work on the finishing part of the team,”Lule said.
For Alex Gitta blamed the referee for the poor officiation that cost his team.
The win ensured the record champions progressed to the next round of the Uganda Cup.