Sammy Ssebaduka produced a standout display, scoring once and setting up another as KCCA FC cruised to a convincing 3–0 win over archrivals Express FC at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Wednesday evening.
The emphatic victory lifts KCCA to third place on the Uganda Premier League table and keeps their title ambitions firmly alive.
KCCA approached the highly anticipated derby with purpose, asserting themselves early and taking control of possession as they pushed to break down an Express side that struggled to find rhythm.
The Red Eagles, who handed Gift Ali a debut against his former club, attempted to remain organized defensively but found it difficult to cope with KCCA’s attacking pressure.
Another three points in the bag.#KCCAFC #KCCAEXP #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/KF0MsAd5Kc
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) March 11, 2026
The hosts made their dominance count in the 13th minute. Herbert Achai whipped in a well-measured cross into the penalty area, and Ssebaduka rose above the defenders to power home a header, handing KCCA a deserved early lead.
Express tried to respond moments later and nearly surprised the hosts. Elvis Ssekajugo spotted the goalkeeper off his line and attempted an ambitious long-range lob, but the effort drifted harmlessly wide of the target.
KCCA continued to dictate the tempo and extended their advantage before the half-hour mark. A costly defensive lapse from Express allowed Ivan Ahimbisibwe to pounce, and the forward made no mistake as he calmly slotted the ball home to make it 2–0.
Henry Wamala then replaced debutant Gift Ali, forcing Express into an early substitution in the 36th minute. Despite the change, KCCA maintained control and comfortably carried their two-goal cushion into the halftime break.
After the restart, Express showed brief signs of life and almost reduced the deficit. Asiimwe found himself in a promising position with a clear sight of goal, but his attempt narrowly missed the target.
.@sammyssebaduka2 with a man of the match performance #KCCAFC #KCCAEXP #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/WkkwwtM50s
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) March 11, 2026
KCCA quickly punished that missed opportunity. In the 61st minute, Said Mayanja rose to meet a delivery from Shafik Nana and headed the ball into the net, extending the lead to 3–0 and effectively sealing the outcome of the derby.
With the contest safely in hand, KCCA used the closing minutes to rotate their squad. After delivering a performance that earned him the Man of the Match award, Ssebaduka, who had been instrumental throughout the evening, received a warm reception when the coach substituted him.
The result moves KCCA to 42 points in third place on the table, just one point behind second-placed Kitara and five adrift of leaders Vipers. Express remain 11th with 20 points after 20 matches.
KCCA will next travel to face Lugazi on Saturday, while Express return to action at Hamz Stadium where they will host URA.
Cityzens Brain Jjara is still running, what a player 💛💙👏.#KCCAFC #KCCAEXP #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/Nh58WFUMfF
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) March 12, 2026
In other league fixtures, Vipers tightened their grip on top spot with a narrow 2–1 win over UPDF in Bombo. Meanwhile, URA secured a 1–0 victory against Lugazi, with Isma Mugulusi scoring the decisive goal.
