Uganda Premier League
JMC Hippos 0-1 KCCA FC
Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) edged closer to defending the league title with yet another hard fought win.
The reigning champions needed second half strike from striker Derrick Nsibambi to edge past a hard battling JMC Hippos in the game played at Kakindu stadium on Tuesday.
Despite suffering relegation already, the hippos proved a hard nut to crack for KCCA FC marching them for the better part of the game.
KCCA FC had the chance to take the lead on two occasions but JMC Hippos goalkeeper Michael Nantamu stood his ground to deny the visitors.
First, it was midfielder Paul Mucureezi whose low shot in the 3rd minute was saved by Nantamu with his left leg.
Moments later, Geoffrey Sserunkuma’s powerful header was tipped over by the shot stopper after the forward had risen high to power in Mucureezi’s cross.
As the game went on, JMC Hippos grew in confidence and also put up a couple of attacks.
Vianney Ssekajjugo headed home Hassan Musana’s cross at the half hour mark but the latter’s effort was ruled for offside.
The home side also had a penalty appeal with Charles Ssemanda brought down inside the forbidden area but referee Fred Byaruhanga waved for play on despite his assistant raising the flag for a foul.
With the score being barren at halftime, KCCA FC manager Mike Mutebi called for changes with Derrick Nsibambi replacing Noel Nasasira while Tom Masiko came on for Lawrence Bukenya.
Substitute Derrick Nsibambi broke the deadlock in the 67th minute tapping home from close range Geoffrey Sserunkuma’s brushed pass.
A cross from the right frank by captain Dennis Okot met Sserunkuma who headed the ball towards unmarked Nsibambi and the forward did no mistake to convert.
The result means KCCA FC move to 54 points with four games to play and now sit 5 points above second placed SC Villa while JMC Hippos remain bottom of the table with just 10 points.
JMC Hippos starting XI
Michael Nantamu, Ibrahim Massa, Hassan Musana, Willy Makuro, Constantine Nalumoso, Ibra Kyebatala, Mustafa Mugoya, Daniel Shabena, Rubangakene Walter, Ssemanda Charles, Vianney Ssekajjugo
KCCA FC starting XI
Douglas Kisembo, Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Peter Magambo, Habib Kavuma, Isaac Kirabira, Lawrence Bukenya, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Noel Nasasira, Vincent Kayizzi, Paul Mucureezi