There was absolutely nothing new learnt at the Arena of Visions, Ndejje University, when the hosts URA registered a customary victory against the current league leaders, KCCA in the bright afternoon sunshine.

This conquest was the fifth time in the last six meetings that the Tax Collectors got the better of their rivals, and what made it even sweeter was the fact that Sam Timbe’s side broke the virginity of the opponent in this particular game. KCCA were unbeaten coming into this.

Steven Desse Mukwala’s 37th-minute header was enough to claim all three points for the tax collectors on the evening. He scored with his head for the second consecutive game in the same week.

To achieve this, the gaffer named an almost unchanged side from the team that started the previous game against Gaddafi FC. The only changes being forced; Faruku Katongole, Mukwala Steven and Viane Ssekajugo replaced Benjamin Nyakoojo, Cromwel Rwothomio and Kabon Living respectively.

The start to the game was rather satisfying for Timbe as his side were assertive in possession, but the opponents made it fun as well with interest to attack. This setup for an end-to-end display by both sides.

It took until minute 12 for URA to register their first chance of the game, and as it won’t surprise anyone, the usual suspect, Mukwala took the shot. Only for the opposition custodian to prove equal to it.

The tide would however change a minute later as the Kasasiro Boys upped their game, bringing the game to the URA goal, and asking Nafian Alionzi to pull off a masterclass save.

The world-class stop from the URA goalkeeper was to tame Ashraf Mugume’s effort from a long-range gesture. Arafat Galiwango was quick to clear the ball from goal to avoid any rebounds.

Alionzi would be called upon to perform the same heroics a few minutes later, the 24th minute to be precise and at this rate, KCCA were literally bringing the game to their hosts.

Things would worsen for the Taxmen three minutes later as Moses Sseruyidde got an injury. He was stretched off the pitch to be replaced by Brian Nkuubi in the 29th minute.

Just like the proverbial narrative goes, every cloud has a silver lining. Mukwala would provide this much-needed restitution eight minutes later, comfortably heading URA forward off a perfectly executed Saidi Kyeyune corner kick.

While the build-up to the goal can easily be described to have been orchestrated by a goalkeeper mistake, the Tax Collectors took it with open arms to crown the first stanza of the game.

There was honestly nothing much to write home about the second half from a URA perspective, as everything was characterised by frustration. Ojera got booked in the 58th minute before having his effort saved by Derrick Ochan in the 61st minute.

Alionzi would make the most important save of the game in the 77th minute from long range as the KCCA forward put everything behind the ball. Again, the custodian proving too much for the opposition.

Timbe made two changes towards the end of the game that saw Kokas Alou and Hudu Mulikyi replace Joackiam Ojera and Viane Ssekajugo in the 80th and 84th minute respectively. This was to manage the game till the final whistle.

That much needed final whistle only confirmed that for yet another year running, URA continue to dominate the fixture against the KCCA. They have now won the last five games in this fixture.

John Bugembe
January 8, 2022