Express FC avoided defeat in Arua for the second season running after sharing the spoils with Onduparaka as match-day one of the 2020/2021 Uganda Premier League concluded over the weekend.
And while they did not win this time round, the 1-1 result was perhaps a fair return under the circumstances.
This is after the Red Eagles concluded the game with 10-men when captain Enock Walusimbi was sent off for a handball in the 68
th minute.
“It’s always difficult to win in Arua against Onduparaka, I think the boys played well, maybe our transition lacked a bit after we scored but we shall improve in our next game” Wasswa Bbosa the Express coach stated after the game.
In a clash that pitted the currently sponsored Betway side against their previous partners, Express drew first blood through last season’s top scorer Frank Kalanda.
The striker dusted himself up to slot home an 11th minute penalty after Mahdi Ajobe brought him down in the forbidden area as he prepared to shoot on goal.
The Red Eagles were then unable to add onto their lead and were pegged back in the second half Walusimbi received his marching orders for handling a goal-bound shot.
Kabon Livin scored the resultant penalty and the home side who were deprived of fans because of restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic pushed for a winner.
Express however held on and could also have snatched all three point late on when Godfrey Lwesibawa stung the palms of goalkeeper Augustine Opoka.
There were four other draws on matchday one from the seven games played with newly promoted UPDF the table leaders after 3-0 win over Busoga United.
Express return to action on Saturday December 12 with a home game against Bright Stars after their Wednesday fixture against Vipers was called off following the latter's involvement on the continent.
Match Day One results
Soltilo Bright Stars 1-2 KCCA
Police 0-0 Wakiso Giants
Bul 2-2 SC Villa
Mbarara City 1-1 URA
Onduparaka 1-1 Express
Kyetume 1-1 Kitara,
UPDF 3-0 Busoga United
Vipers SC vs Myda, TBC
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