Paul Lule’s master class, Isaac Ishioke’s heroics, Yusuf Joloba’s hattrick and of course Wolve’s spirited showings were the eye catching moments of the opening weekend of the FUFA Beach Soccer League at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
St. Lawrence University began their title defense on a high, defeating a depleted and exhausted Grace Church 12-3 but their victory wasn’t the only thrashing of the weekend as we saw big wins on the first Sunday of what should be another thrilling season.
Before the Saints’ gulf in squad depth and quality was exhibited, newbies Kampala City had announced themselves on the scene in the opening match of the campaign with a 13-1 whipping of the Church boys. In contrast with Kampala City, Mengo Hill BSC, another rookie in the competition, were beaten 9-0 by MS Sand Lions.
Grace Church 1-13 Kampala City
The name Kampala City may sound new to the ear but the players representing the club have been around for a while. Veterans like Paul Lule, Swaibu Kakwaya and Douglas Muganga are proudly kicking the ball for the club, while most of the guns at former league club – Jinja Lions are also part of the team nicknamed Ab’emikwano.
With just three minutes into the game, Kampala City assumed the lead through Shaka Ssozi when he scored a penalty following a foul on him in the box. Paul Lule and Kakwaya stretched the advantage to 3-0 up in the first period.
Allan Isabirye pulled one back for Grace Church in the second, not knowing what will befall them going forward.
Lule tallied seven goals by the end of the game that had Douglas Muganga walk home with a brace. Ronald Ssekimpi and Herbert Onyango also scored as the new boys won 13-1 to ascend to the top of the table.
Wolves 4-5 Mutoola BSC
Wolves came close to scrapping a point from this thriller but Simon Peter Kijjo scored a last minute goal to win it all for Mutoola on a dramatic afternoon in Njeru.
Kijjo had opened the scores for his side whose lead was soon doubled by Paul Nsenge heading into the first break.
Wolves, led by veteran Baptist Male, returned a charged side – topping the second period with two goals to one but remained behind in the game by a goal though. Farouk Kawuma and Muhamoud Ssozzi netted the goals for them while Musa Ssali ensured Mutoola remained in control of the match.
The third period was the most dramatic of all; Farouk Kawuma leveled the matters with a well taken strike before Kijjo restored the lead for his team. Kawuma unleashed his poaching prowess again with another equalizer as Wolves threatened to win the game themselves, and Mutoola only got a sigh of relief after Kijjo poked in the winner one second to the end of the game.
St. Lawrence University 12- 3 Grace Church
St Lawrence started their title defense with a 12-3 win over a hapless Grace Church and had plenty to experiment as Coach Peter Sseguya reserved most of his experienced players, giving the new ones chance to show their abilities.
Nigerian import Isaac Ishioke scored five. The other seven goals came from Ronald Magwali, Rica Byaruhanga, Baker Lukooya, Sharif Lubega, Emmanuel Wasswa, George Kaddu and an own goal from Steven Kitumba.
Grace Church responded through Derrick Kato and Kenneth Mugabi, while they also benefited from an own goal when goalkeeper Sulaiman Ssentongo made contact with the ball from a long throw in.
Mengo Hill 0-9 MS Sand Lions
MS Sand Lions gave Mengo Hill a nightmarish welcome to the game with a thorough 9-0 beating in the last action of the day.
Yusuf Joloba grabbed a hat-trick, Abbey Kavuma and Emmanuel Matovu scored a brace each while Rogers Zikulibya and Yinusa Mufutau also registered their names on the score sheet to seal the win.
Kampala City is currently leading the pile. Followed closely by St. Lawrence and Ms Sand Lions, all with three points.
FUFA beach soccer league continues next Sunday 26th November 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. The fixtures will be released as soon as possible.
Full results
Sunday 19th November 2023
Grace Church 1-13 Kampala City
Wolves 4-5 Mutoola BSC
St. Lawrence University 12- 3 Grace Church
Mengo Hill 0-9 MS Sand Lions