In a pulsating season opener at the Lugazi FC Stadium in Najjembe, Lugazi FC shrugged off an early scare to overturn newly promoted Calvary FC, running out 3-1 winners in a contest that swung from nervy to rapturous.
Calvary stunned the home crowd just after the 11th minute when Simon Peter Odeke curled a composed finish to put the visitors ahead.
The early strike looked like it might set the story for a giant-killing day, but the Leaders rekindled hope and then momentum with a spirited response.
Paul Wasswa hauled Lugazi level in the 19th minute with a clinical strike that turned the tie on its head.
Less than ten minutes later Sharif Saaka slid home from close range to give the hosts the lead in the 29th, a finish that lifted the stadium and handed Lugazi control heading into the break.
The match simmered through the second half until debutant substitute Ashiraf Mulindi provided the coup de grâce, nodding home in the 79th minute to seal a statement win and send the Najjembe faithful into celebration.
Mulindi’s composed debut finish was the perfect “icing” on a comeback crafted by character and tactical grit.
Lugazi’s blend of early resilience and late composure will please coach and supporters alike as the Leaders head to Entebbe UPPC next week looking to build on this momentum.
Calvary, despite the loss, can take heart from their bright start and now turn attention to another away test at fellow newcomers Buhimba Saints FC.
Match snapshot
- Venue: Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe
- Final score: Lugazi FC 3–1 Calvary FC
- Scorers: Simon Peter Odeke (Calvary) 11′ — Paul Wasswa (Lugazi) 19′, Sharif Saaka (Lugazi) 29′, Ashiraf Mulindi (Lugazi) 79′
- Next fixtures: Lugazi → vs Entebbe UPPC (away); Calvary → vs Buhimba Saints FC (away)
Leave feedback about this