For Coach Wasswa Bbosa, it will be a do- or-die mission to brighten his chances of winning a first major title. For embattled KCCA tactician Morley Byekwaso, who took over the club reins in March, it will all be about redemption following a bad run in the ongoing league campaign. As the two prepare to meet, here is a rundown on their three previous epic clashes in the semi-finals.
1982: KCC 1 EXPRESS 0
History has it that SC Villa won the 1982 super league unbeaten, but the local attention was on the Uganda Cup which was unclaimed after the defending champions Coffee SC had fallen out.
A semifinal match pitied KCC against Express at Nakivubo stadium. The pitch was blessed by a lunch-hour downpour. In the opening minutes, KCC had hair-raising moments in front of Express’ goal, forcing three corners but failed to beat Express’s defence marshaled by Patrick Kigongo and Francis Oryema.
KCC got its first goal from Godfrey Kateregga who took a tricky shot after dodging two Express’ defenders. Express equalized immediately, through Issa Sekatawa. Emma Mugerwa put Express in the lead to send KCC in panic.
Sensing danger, KCC attacked Express from all angles, and their efforts yielded results when Sam Mugambe beat Express goalie Steven Segujja with a powerful header—making it 2-2.
After interval, Davis Kamoga scored KCC’s third goal. But as time was ticking away, KCC’ Charles Katumba lost possession to Emma Mugerwa who beat Paul Ssali in KCC’s goal to put Express back in business.
As the game was destined for penalty shoot-out, one of Express’s defenders handled in the penalty area and referee Ntege did not hesitate to award KCC a penalty. But the entire Express bench disputed Ntege’s decision, causing a stalemate.
Finally, NCS boss at the time, Kezekiah Segwanga Musisi intervene and Express accepted to continue with the game. KCC’s giant striker Kamoga stepped up to take the penalty but before he could take it Express players again refused to play and in the process the ball vanished in thin air; effort to get another ball failed as darkness engulfed.
Referee Ntege called off the game. Fufa ordered a replay which KCC refused to honour. But after almost three weeks, the game was replayed and KCC won 1-0 courtesy of Fred Kiyingi Musisi’s lone goal. KCC qualified for the final and played against Nile. KCC edged the Jinja-based side 1-0—to win the third Uganda Cup title courtesy of Kamoga’s goal.
1997: EXPRESS 1 KCC 0
This time round, the roles were reversed with KCC aiming for a double. KCC were overwhelming favourites to beat Express after winning the league title. Prior to the November 8, 1997 match though, there was a lot of shop talk by the supporters of either clubs.
The match kicked off at a terrific tempo with both fans cheering to the maximum. It was KCC that took control of the game and deservedly took the lead though Baker Mbowa.
Express pressured KCC but the Lugogo side put the ‘Red Eagles’ at bay. In the 53rd minute, Express defender Sulaiman Tenywa was on the wrong side of the law when he punched KCC’s defender Godfrey Sekweyama, and referee Umar Bautu sent him off.
This prompted Express fans to abandon the match and Fufa ordered a replay on November 14. In the replay, Express beat KCC 1-0 and the Red Eagles went ahead to defeat UEB 4-1 in the final.
2017: KCCA 3 EXPRESS 2
The semifinals of the 2016/2017 Stanbic Uganda Cup pitied KCCA against Express FC and the first leg was played at Lugogo Phillip Omondi stadium. KCCA scored in the 37th minute through Tom Masiko’s free-kick and after recess, Geoffrey Serunkuma put the hosts 2-0 from the spot.
Express pulled one back through Simon Serunkuma to narrow the gap but Serunkuma grabbed the third goal, making it 3-1. Allan Kyambadde came to Express rescue and narrowed the gap with a second goal making it 3-2.
In the return leg, they drew goalless for KCCA to qualify for the finals where they defeated Paidha Black Angels 2-0. As a result, the Lugogo club sealed their first domestic double (winning the league and Uganda Cup in the same season).
bzziwa@observer.ug
The author is The Observer operations director.