Onduparaka Football Club and 10 man Express Football Club begun their 2020/21 compaign with a 1-1 draw at Greenlight stadium in Arua on Saturday evening.
Last season’s club top scorer Frank Kalanda stepped up to put Express ahead through a penalty after he was fouled by Joven Mahad in the 13th minute for a 1-0.
Red Eagles coach Wasswa Bossa introduced Charles Musiige for Kayiwa Ibrahim in the 20th minute as Express FC dominated the first stanza.
Abel Eturude and Geoffrey Lwesibawa were all booked in the first half.
Kaban Living “Mess” had an opportunity to level matters in the 40th minute but couldn’t connect well with the ball at the vital moment as the host settled for a 1-0 draw in the first stanza.
In the second stanza Express FC introduced Gorge Ssenkaba (46 min), Eric Kambale (71 min) and John Byamukama for Frank Kalanda , Issa Lumu and Dennis Mubuye respectively.
The caterpillars stepped up to dominate the second stanza with Express FC custodian Mathias Muwanga denying Living Kabon and Dennis Okot.
Onduparaka were awarded a penalty after Express FC skipper Enock Walusimbi was sent off in the 67th minute for a handball in the box.
The host then got the equalizer they laboured for in the 68th minute when Kabon Living “Messi” scored the penalty, sending Mathias Muwanga the wrong direction for a 1-1 .
But when it comes to the football dished outs, both sides failed to live up to the expectations as there were few clear-cut chances created at both ends.
Express will hope for a better result when they host host Vipers who have a game in hand against MYDA. Onduparaka will be away to KCCA at Lugogo.
Team Lineups:
Onduparaka XI: Austin Opoka (GK), Rashid Okocha, Gasper Adriko, Allan Busobozi, Ochen, Wasswa, Bashir Ajobe, Moses Okot, Joel Jangeyambe, Amis muwonge, Kabon Living
Express FC XI: Mathias Muwanga (GK), Dennis Mubuya, Arthur Kiggundu, Enock Walusimbi (C), Murushid Juuko, Daniel Shabena, Geoffrey Lwesibawa, Abel Etrude, Frank Kalanda, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Eric Kambale