Ten-man UPDF FC battled their way to a gutsy 1-0 victory over Mbarara City FC at Kakyeka Stadium on Friday, earning their first win of the new Uganda Premier League season.
The Army side showed remarkable discipline and resilience throughout the encounter, with veteran forward Samuel Kayongo Ssekamate delivering the decisive moment in the 67th minute, clinically slotting home to break the deadlock after a cagey opening hour.
Mbarara City pushed hard for an equaliser, spurred on by their home fans, but UPDFβs backline stood firm under growing pressure. Their task became even tougher late in the game when Christopher Kamagu was sent off, leaving the visitors to play the final minutes with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Bombo-based outfit dug deep to preserve their slender lead until the final whistle, a victory that marked a strong response following their opening-day defeat to Express FC at Nakivubo Stadium.
For Mbarara City, the defeat extended their winless start to the campaign. The Ankole Lions, who earned a draw against Police FC in their season opener, will now look to bounce back quickly as early frustrations begin to mount.
